Princeton Slip, Trip and Fall Attorneys
Slip & Fall FAQ
Slip and fall accidents in New Jersey can often leave victims feeling embarrassed and responsible, on top of being injured. However, there are a number of questions that one should ask immediately after suffering from a slip and fall accident, particularly if they are seriously injured and are going to need medical attention, no matter how extensive.
Q: I've injured myself in a slip and fall accident. What do I do next?
A: First of all, if you are injured, seek immediate medical attention, particularly if you have an existing medical condition that could be exasperated as a result of the slip and fall (e.g. if you've recently had a hip replacement or other medical procedure that you have not fully recovered from). It should be the responsibility of the building owner or acting manager of the area to accommodate you with medical attention, regardless of whether or not the slip and fall accident was entirely your fault to begin with. Finally, make sure that you get the contact information of any witnesses to your accident so that they can give their perspective on what exactly happened.
Q: Should I inform someone of my Princeton New Jersey slip and fall accident, or should I simply carry on with my business so as not to inconvenience anyone?
A: It is of the utmost importance that you bring the hazardous condition that caused your accident to the attention of the property owner or facility manager. Even if you are not immediately injured, or simply don't want to draw attention to your accident, it is still important that you inform the proper authority of your accident so that, at the very least, others will become aware of the hazard and avoid the same mishap that you did.
Q: What exactly caused your slip and fall accident?
A: It is important to realize that clumsiness is not always the cause of a fall or a slip. Immediately after your accident, try to assess the scene to determine if the accident was solely your fault. For example, if you slip on a wet puddle caused by a leaky pipe or air conditioning duct, and the owner of the premises in which the accident occurred knew about the problem, possibly placing a bucket or some other apparatus underneath the leak, then the building owner can be held liable for your accident for failing to correct the hazardous condition.
Q: Was the dangerous condition that caused your slip and fall existing long enough that someone should corrected the problem?
A: Again, it is the responsibility of property owners to ensure that their facilities are free of hazards, and that those visiting and/or working on the premises are adequately protected from said hazards. In the event that an injury is caused by a known problem, possibly one that the property owner has been meaning to take care of, then the property owner is liable for your injury for failing to promptly fix the hazard, or at the very least warn those exposed to the problem of potential danger.
Q: I feel as though my accident was ultimately preventable. What do I do next?
A: You should contact an experienced Princeton New Jersey slip and fall accident attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein immediately for a free consultation of your case, and help expose the negligent behavior that led to you accident. If a property owner is at fault, we will make sure they are held accountable.