A simple fall can cause life-changing injuries. One moment, you’re walking through a store, parking lot, or apartment building, and the next, you’re in pain, unable to work, and facing unexpected medical bills. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common personal injury claims in New Jersey, yet they’re often misunderstood or minimized by property owners and insurers.
At the Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we know that these incidents can upend your health, your routine, and your peace of mind. Our attorneys have more than 25 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured clients across the region. We’ve recovered millions in compensation for victims who suffered broken bones, head injuries, and lasting trauma, including burn injuries, because someone else failed to keep their property safe.
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip, trip, or fall, our team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
Slip and fall accidents happen when dangerous property conditions cause someone to lose their balance and fall. While some accidents truly are unavoidable, most are preventable, the result of carelessness or neglect by a property owner, landlord, or business operator.
Common causes include:
Each of these hazards can lead to severe injuries, particularly among older adults and workers in physically demanding jobs. Under premises liability law, property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions and to warn visitors of known dangers. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt, that person may have the right to file a personal injury claim.
Imagine slipping on a puddle in a Newark grocery store aisle that wasn’t marked with a caution sign or tripping over a cracked sidewalk. In both examples, the owner or manager responsible for maintenance could be held liable for failing to act reasonably. Just like car accidents, many slip and fall injuries stem from preventable negligence.
Not just a fall, a life-changing event. And under the law, preventable harm deserves accountability.
Liability often depends on who had control over the property and whether they were negligent in maintaining it. These situations often overlap with pedestrian accidents involving poorly maintained crosswalks or walkways. In New Jersey, the following parties may share responsibility:
For instance, if a shopping mall owner fails to repair a leaking roof that causes a slippery floor, they may be responsible for injuries. Similarly, a city may be liable if a pedestrian trips on a broken public sidewalk that wasn’t repaired or properly marked.
Under New Jersey law (NJSA 2A:42A-8), property owners owe a duty of care to lawful visitors, including customers, tenants, and guests. Our attorneys analyze maintenance logs, video footage, and inspection records to identify every potentially responsible party.
If your accident involved municipal or government property, you must act fast. Many local agencies require a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident, long before the usual two- or three-year lawsuit deadlines.
Every slip and fall case rests on one key question: Was someone negligent? To establish negligence, your attorney must prove four essential elements:
For example, a restaurant that ignores a repeated leak near its restroom floor might breach its duty by not fixing it. If a customer slips there and breaks a hip, that breach caused a tangible injury and measurable financial loss.
To prove negligence, strong evidence is essential. Photos of the hazard, witness statements, medical reports, and surveillance footage can distinguish between a denied claim and a successful recovery. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto victims, arguing they “should have been more careful.” Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics with clear documentation and expert testimony.
Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence rule, your compensation is reduced by that percentage if you are found partially at fault. For instance, if a jury finds you 20% responsible because you were distracted, your recovery is still 80% of the total damages. Importantly, you can still pursue compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
Victims have two years to file in New Jersey, but an early investigation gives you the strongest case possible.
The physical and emotional impact of a fall can be devastating. While some victims suffer bruises or sprains, others face long-term or permanent injuries that alter their quality of life. Common injuries include:
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to fractures and complications, while younger workers may face extended absences from work and lost earning capacity. Rehabilitation can take months, and many victims experience lingering pain that affects sleep, mobility, and mental health. Similar to motorcycle accidents, these incidents can cause life-altering trauma.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are a leading cause of emergency room visits in the United States each year, especially in the Northeast. Behind every statistic is a person whose daily routine, independence, and security were disrupted in an instant.
At the Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we recognize that recovery is more than physical healing; it’s about restoring stability, dignity, and peace of mind.
A successful slip and fall claim aims to restore what was lost, physically, financially, and emotionally. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to recover damages such as:
The amount of compensation varies based on the severity of the injury and its long-term effects. A simple fracture may lead to a smaller settlement, while traumatic brain or spinal injuries can result in six- or seven-figure recoveries. Our firm’s experience with complex claims allows us to present detailed medical evidence, economic projections, and expert opinions that reflect the full scope of your losses.
Insurance companies often attempt quick settlements to minimize payouts. Our attorneys will never advise you to accept less than what your case is worth. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injury victims by standing firm in negotiations and at trial.
Your actions in the hours and days after a fall can significantly affect your claim. Here’s how to protect your health and your rights:
By taking these steps early, you protect your ability to seek fair compensation and prevent critical evidence from disappearing. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can begin investigating and building your case.
Not all law firms approach personal injury the same way. At the Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we treat clients as individuals, not case numbers. Our team combines compassion with strategic, results-driven representation.
Our firm’s mission is rooted in understanding. We know that behind every claim is a person struggling through one of the hardest chapters of their life. We’ll be with you every step of the way, ensuring your voice is heard and your recovery prioritized. Our results extend across major cases, from truck accidents to complex premises liability claims.
Whether your accident occurred in Hackensack, Newark, Jersey City, Brooklyn, or Manhattan, our attorneys are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
“We understand that you’re not just another case, you’re a person whose life has been disrupted.”
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Insurance companies act quickly, and critical evidence may disappear in days. Our team is ready to listen, guide you through your options, and handle every step of the legal process.
Call (908) 279-7979 or contact our team today for a free, confidential consultation.
There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
At the Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we proudly serve clients throughout New Jersey and New York, helping injury victims recover with dignity, justice, and peace of mind.
Property owners, landlords, businesses, and even municipalities may be liable if unsafe property conditions caused your injury. Each has a duty to maintain safe premises. If a store ignores a spill in Newark or a city neglects a broken sidewalk in Brooklyn, they can be held accountable for resulting harm.
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of injury. Missing these deadlines may prevent you from seeking compensation, so act quickly.
Get medical care immediately and document everything. Report the accident to the property owner, take photos of the hazard, and collect witness information. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney who can protect your rights and guide the next steps.
Compensation covers both financial and personal losses, from hospital bills and physical therapy to emotional distress. For example, if your injuries cost $100,000 in damages but you’re found 20% at fault, you can still recover $80,000 under comparative negligence laws. Every case is unique and depends on the evidence presented.
Yes. Insurance companies often minimize claims or delay payments. An experienced personal injury attorney gathers evidence, handles insurers, and ensures deadlines are met. At the Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., our lawyers have over 25 years of combined experience standing up to large defendants and winning.