Cranford Slip and Fall Lawyer

Some people believe that slip and fall accidents are minor inconveniences, but a fall can cause serious physical injury. If you must miss work while injured or have expenses like medical bills, the financial toll can put a massive strain on your family. 

A Cranford slip and fall lawyer can provide valuable assistance if you pursue legal action after an accident. The law is complex, and representing yourself could mean missing out on potential compensation. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney could help you understand the scope of slip and fall accidents, the state’s negligence laws, and when to file a claim.

How Slip and Fall Accidents Happen

Many people think about slip and fall accidents happening in a grocery store or mall. In this situation, someone may leave a wet, dangerous spot on the floor without placing a warning sign for the customer to exercise caution. This is a common example, but slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere.

A serious fall can happen when a property owner is negligent in maintenance or supervision. Legally speaking, negligent owner could be an individual person, a commercial entity, or even a government entity if a hazard causes an accident in a public space.

Ice, bad lighting, and poor maintenance are just a few factors that can contribute to a slip and fall. Someone can also be injured:

• On unkept stairs
• On a slippery sidewalk
• In a parking lot
• In a messy entryway

This type of law may seem straightforward because of its name, but there are many unique factors and questions of liability and negligence that may make it difficult to secure compensation. A Cranford attorney with experience in slip and fall accidents could help an injured person file a legal action and guide the claim forward.

Comparative Negligence Laws

An attorney can help explain how comparative negligence affects the damages that you might receive. Damages refer to the money a plaintiff receives in a civil action that can cover things like medical expenses and lost wages. 

The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows a plaintiff to recover damages in most cases, even if they contributed to their accident by being negligent. A fact finder, like a judge or jury, measures the plaintiff’s negligence using a percentage and determines their level of fault.

The percentage of their own negligence could reduce the damages the plaintiff receives. For example, if the person injured was 25% responsible for the accident, they would lose 25% of their damages. A $50,000 judgment would decrease by 25%, or $12,500.

An accident victim could receive nothing if a fact finder determines that the defendant contributed more than 50% of the negligence. Working with a Cranford attorney after a slip and fall accident could allow a plaintiff to make an important assessment of their negligence. 

Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations

Plaintiffs must file lawsuits before the statute of limitations expires, or else they will be barred from any kind of civil recovery.

The statute of limitations for slip and fall cases is two years after the accident occurs. This may seem like a long time, but time can pass quickly after a major disruption. A Cranford legal team could ensure the plaintiff files suit for a slip and fall accident before the deadline.

Reach Out to a Cranford Slip and Fall Attorney Today

After a slip and fall, you or a loved one may be overwhelmed dealing with the aftermath of an accident, including the financial burden it places on you. A Cranford slip and fall lawyer can clarify the complexities of the case as you begin the litigation process.

Contact Voto and Cavalli today to set up a free consultation. Seeking representation early could make a difference in the success of your case.