Slip and Fall Lawyer in New Jersey

Property owners in New Jersey have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. Stores, restaurants, landlords, office buildings, parking lot owners and other businesses must fix hazards they know about, or should have found through reasonable inspection, and warn visitors about dangers they haven’t fixed yet. When they don’t, and someone gets hurt, the law calls it premises liability.

IBEZIM LAW OFFICES, PC helps people injured in slip, trip and fall accidents across New Jersey. Attorney Sebastian O. Ibezim, Jr. has practiced law in New Jersey since 1997 and in New York since 1999, with nearly 30 years of trial and litigation experience. We investigate what caused your fall, preserve the evidence, and deal with the property owner’s insurance company so you can focus on getting better. The consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls can happen almost anywhere: supermarkets, retail stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, office buildings, hotels, gyms, construction sites and public sidewalks.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

• Broken bones: fractured wrists, arms, hips, ankles and legs, often from trying to break the fall.
• Head and brain injuries: concussions and traumatic brain injuries from striking the floor, stairs or pavement.
• Back and neck injuries: herniated discs, spinal injuries and lasting back pain.
• Knee and shoulder injuries: torn ligaments, rotator cuff tears and other injuries that may need surgery.
• Cuts and bruising: injuries that can leave scars or lead to infection.

See a doctor the same day if you can, even if you feel fine. A gap in treatment is one of the first things insurance companies use against your claim.

New Jersey Law and Your Slip and Fall Claim

Falls on snow and ice: In general, New Jersey commercial property owners don’t have to clear snow and ice while a storm is still going on, but they must act within a reasonable time after it ends. There are exceptions, for example when the owner made the conditions worse. These cases depend on timing, so weather records and photos matter.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on your injuries, your treatment, the available insurance coverage and the evidence of what caused your fall.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall

1. Get medical care. Call 911 if you’re badly hurt, and tell the doctor exactly how you fell.
2. Report the fall. Tell the store manager, landlord or property owner, and ask for a copy of any incident report.
3. Take photos. Photograph the hazard, the area, any missing warning signs, the lighting and your injuries before anything is cleaned up or repaired.
4. Keep your shoes and clothing. Store them as they were, since they can be important evidence.
5. Get witness names. Ask anyone who saw the fall or the hazard for their name and phone number.
6. Don’t give a recorded statement to the owner’s insurer. Call us first. Store video can be erased quickly, so we act fast to preserve it.

Why Injured New Jerseyans Choose Us

• 31 offices across New Jersey: meet near home or work, by appointment.
• Nearly 30 years of trial experience: insurers know we are ready to take a case to court.
• Fast evidence work: we move quickly to request video, incident reports and maintenance records.
• Personal attention: clear answers and regular updates from your legal team, not a call center.
• No upfront costs: the consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation.
• We come to you: if your injuries keep you at home or in the hospital, we can meet you there.

We also help people hurt in workplace accidents, medical malpractice, pedestrian accidents and car accidents.

Slip and Fall FAQ

I slipped in a supermarket. Can I make a claim?

Often, yes. If the store knew about the spill or hazard, or should have found it in time, it may be responsible. In self-service stores, hazards that come from how the store operates can be easier to prove. Report the fall and ask for the incident report.

I fell on an icy sidewalk. Who is responsible?

It depends on who owns the property. Commercial property owners generally must keep the abutting sidewalk reasonably safe and clear snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm. Homeowners generally don’t have the same duty, and falls on public property follow special rules.

I fell in my apartment building. Can I hold my landlord responsible?

Often, yes. Landlords must keep common areas such as stairs, hallways, lobbies and parking lots reasonably safe, and repair hazards they know about. Report the problem in writing and keep copies.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in New Jersey?

Most injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years. If public property was involved, a notice of claim is usually due within 90 days, so call as soon as you can.

How much does a slip and fall lawyer cost?

The consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you. We explain the fee agreement, including case costs, before you sign anything.