Slip/Trip & Fall Accidents

Union County Slip and Fall Lawyer

Handling Trip and Fall Accidents Throughout the North Jersey Region

One moment, you’re casually walking around. The next moment, you’ve slipped or tripped and suffered an injury. In that blink of an eye, your life changed from normalcy to one that will focus on medical treatment, rehabilitation, and perhaps missed time at work. If your slip and fall were caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation. The lawyer in our Union County office knows what it takes to get you a fair settlement.

Call (908) 948-8395 or contact us online today for a free consultation. We meet clients both in person and virtually, whatever is best for you.

Understanding Premises Liability

Premises liability is a fundamental concept in personal injury law, especially in slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall cases. It holds property owners and occupiers legally responsible for maintaining safe environments to prevent accidents.

The extent of this duty often depends on the type of visitor entering the property. The law classifies visitors into three categories—invitees, licensees, and trespassers:

Invitees are guests who enter a property for mutual benefit, such as customers visiting a store. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, which includes regularly inspecting the premises, promptly addressing dangers, and warning guests about hidden hazards.
Licensees, such as social guests or delivery personnel, also deserve protection, but the owner must only warn them of known dangers that are not obvious.
Trespassers are owed minimal duty. One notable exception is the “attractive nuisance.” Children can be curious, and property owners are expected to do things like fence in their pools and generally avoid leaving hazards that might injure an unknowing child.

By defining the relationship between the injured plaintiff and the defendant in these terms, courts can determine what duty of care was owed to the injured party and set the framework for determining whether or not that duty was breached.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slips and trips can happen almost anywhere. However, several common factors contribute to these types of accidents:

Wet floors are one of the leading causes. Spills, leaks, and recently mopped surfaces can create slippery conditions, especially when no warning signs are in place.
Uneven surfaces also pose significant risks. Cracked sidewalks, loose floorboards, and poorly maintained carpeting can catch someone off guard, leading to trips and falls.
Poor lighting is another frequent contributor to accidents. Dimly lit stairways, parking lots, and hallways can obscure steps or obstacles, making it difficult for visitors to see potential dangers.
Cluttered walkways create unnecessary risks. Items like cables, boxes, and debris left in walking paths are common culprits in trip and fall incidents.
Weather-related hazards, such as ice, snow, and rain, further increase the likelihood of accidents. Slippery sidewalks and entryways become perilous if not properly treated with salt, sand, or mats. Water tracked indoors can lead to falls when not promptly addressed.

When property owners fail to take reasonable steps to correct or warn about these issues, they could be held legally liable for resulting injuries.

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Common Injuries from Trip and Fall Accidents

One of the most common injuries resulting from these accidents is fractures, especially in the wrists, arms, ankles, and hips. These injuries often occur when people instinctively use their hands to break their fall or when the impact directly affects weight-bearing joints like the hips. Hip fractures, in particular, are severe and can require surgery, extensive recovery periods, and physical rehabilitation.

Sprains and soft tissue injuries are also frequent. While these may seem less severe, they can result in lingering pain, reduced mobility, and the need for ongoing physical therapy. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are another significant concern. A seemingly mild bump on the head during a fall can lead to symptoms like dizziness, memory issues, or more severe cognitive impairments. Some head injuries may not present symptoms immediately, making swift medical evaluation important

Back and spinal injuries are very serious. Falls can result in spinal fractures, herniated discs, or severe back strain. These conditions often require extensive medical care and may permanently limit a person’s ability to work or perform everyday activities.

Beyond physical injuries, the emotional and financial impact of slips and falls shouldn’t be overlooked. Chronic pain, loss of independence, and mounting medical bills create immense stress for injured people and their families.

Better Days Are Closer Than You Think

With Michael Chelland, You Have A Warrior On Your Side

We genuinely care about you—your journey, your recovery, and making sure you’re supported every step of the way. Here's what sets us apart.

Personal Attention

We understand how overwhelming this time can be. We take the time to listen and address your concerns with care and understanding.
Strategic Advocacy

We focus on creating practical solutions tailored to your unique situation, keeping your needs at the forefront of everything we do.
Relentless Pursuit of Justice

Our compassionate care turns into steadfast persistence with insurance companies, working toward fair compensation.
Guidance You Can Trust

We guide you through every step of the process with transparency and clear communication, allowing you to focus on recovery.