If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Premises liability law is designed to hold property owners and occupiers responsible for maintaining safe environments for visitors, tenants, and customers. Whether you’ve slipped and fallen, been bitten by a dog, or sustained injuries due to poor maintenance, premises liability law allows you to hold property owners accountable for their negligence.
In this article, we’ll explore what premises liability is, how it applies to your situation, and how you can find an experienced premises liability attorney in New Jersey to represent you.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a branch of personal injury law that holds property owners, managers, or occupiers responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions. The law requires property owners to maintain a safe environment for people who enter their premises. If they fail to do so and someone gets injured as a result, the property owner can be held liable for the damages.
Some of the most common premises liability cases include:
Slip and Fall Accidents: One of the most common types of premises liability cases. These accidents typically happen when someone slips on a wet floor, trips on an uneven surface, or falls due to hazardous conditions like poor lighting or obstacles in walkways. Grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and public sidewalks are common places where these incidents occur.
Inadequate Security: Property owners are required to provide adequate security to protect visitors from criminal activity. This includes proper lighting, surveillance cameras, and security guards, especially in high-crime areas. If someone is assaulted or injured due to inadequate security, the property owner may be held responsible.
Dog Bites: If a dog bites someone on a property, the dog owner may be liable for the injuries caused by the dog, especially if the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner failed to properly restrain the animal.
Unsafe Building Conditions: Property owners must keep their buildings in safe condition, ensuring that structural components such as stairs, elevators, and flooring are not hazardous. If a person is injured due to dangerous conditions like broken stairs or exposed wiring, the property owner could be held accountable.
Swimming Pool Accidents: Property owners with swimming pools must adhere to safety regulations and keep the pool area secure. Poor maintenance, lack of supervision, or faulty pool equipment can result in injuries, and the property owner may be held liable.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Property owners also have a responsibility to address hazardous materials like mold, asbestos, or toxic chemicals. If someone is exposed to these hazards on the property and suffers injuries as a result, the owner may be responsible for the harm caused.
Why You Need a Premises Liability Attorney
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, pursuing a premises liability claim can be a complicated process. While it may seem straightforward, these cases often involve complex legal issues and require a detailed understanding of both state law and property regulations. Here are some reasons why hiring an experienced premises liability attorney in New Jersey is important:
Expert Knowledge of the Law Premises liability laws vary from state to state, and New Jersey has specific regulations and requirements that property owners must follow to ensure the safety of their premises. An experienced attorney will be well-versed in New Jersey’s premises liability laws and will know how to apply them to your case. They will also be familiar with local building codes, regulations, and case law that may affect the outcome of your claim.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering To succeed in a premises liability case, you need strong evidence that proves the property owner’s negligence. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene, gather witness statements, and collect important documents such as medical records and accident reports. In some cases, they may also hire expert witnesses, such as engineers or safety professionals, to help prove that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies In most premises liability cases, the property owner’s insurance company will be involved. However, insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their profits than paying you what you’re owed. An experienced attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers all of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Maximizing Your Compensation A premises liability attorney will work to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries. This includes not only medical expenses and lost wages but also non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. They will make sure that all aspects of your injuries and damages are taken into account and factored into the compensation you seek.
Representation in Court While most premises liability cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, some may go to trial. If your case cannot be settled fairly, your attorney will be prepared to take the matter to court. Having an attorney with experience in trial litigation can significantly improve your chances of winning your case and obtaining a favorable verdict.
How to Find the Right Premises Liability Attorney in New Jersey
Finding the right premises liability attorney is crucial to the success of your case. Here are some steps you can take to find the best attorney to represent you:
Start with Online Research Begin by researching premises liability attorneys in New Jersey. Use online resources such as Google, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell to find law firms that specialize in personal injury and premises liability. These platforms allow you to view lawyer profiles, client reviews, and ratings, which can help you assess the attorney’s experience and qualifications.
Ask for Referrals Personal referrals from family, friends, or colleagues can be invaluable when searching for a lawyer. If someone you trust has worked with a premises liability attorney in the past, ask for their recommendations. Referrals from people you know can often lead to attorneys with proven success in handling similar cases.
Consult Multiple Attorneys Many premises liability attorneys offer free consultations. Take advantage of these free consultations to meet with potential attorneys and discuss the specifics of your case. During the consultation, ask about the attorney’s experience in handling premises liability claims, their success rate, and their approach to client communication. This is also a good time to assess whether you feel comfortable working with the attorney.
Evaluate Their Experience and Expertise Look for an attorney who has experience handling premises liability cases, especially those similar to yours. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, for example, find an attorney who has experience in handling these types of cases. The more experience the attorney has, the better equipped they will be to navigate the complexities of your case and achieve a favorable outcome.
Check Their Reputation Reputation matters when choosing a lawyer. Check client reviews, testimonials, and the attorney’s standing with the New Jersey State Bar to ensure they have a solid reputation. A reputable attorney with a history of success in premises liability cases is more likely to provide the best representation for your claim.
Understand Their Fee Structure Most premises liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This allows you to pursue a claim without paying upfront legal fees. Be sure to discuss the fee structure during your initial consultation to ensure that you understand how the attorney will be compensated and what portion of any settlement or award they will take.
Top Premises Liability Attorneys in New Jersey
Here are some well-regarded law firms in New Jersey that specialize in premises liability cases:
Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Levinson Axelrod, P.A. has a long history of helping clients recover compensation for slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, and other premises liability cases.
Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP With extensive experience handling premises liability cases, Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP represents clients who have been injured due to dangerous property conditions.
Lavery, Selvaggi & Cohen, P.C. Lavery, Selvaggi & Cohen, P.C. offers personalized attention to premises liability cases and has a successful track record of helping clients win compensation for their injuries.
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. Known for their legal expertise in complex personal injury matters, Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer handles premises liability claims and other personal injury cases in New Jersey.
Aiello, Harris, Abate, Law Group PC Aiello, Harris, Abate, Law Group PC specializes in helping individuals injured on premises due to unsafe conditions. They offer aggressive representation and are dedicated to protecting their clients’ rights.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in New Jersey, hiring a premises liability attorney is essential to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you’ve been involved in a slip-and-fall accident, bitten by a dog, or injured due to unsafe building conditions, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can find a skilled and reputable premises liability attorney in New Jersey who will work tirelessly on your behalf to achieve a fair and just outcome. Don’t wait—consult with an attorney today to start building your case and securing the compensation you need for your recovery.