Most of us don’t feel as though our safety is in jeopardy while simply walking down the sidewalk, but unfortunately, property owners often fail to adequately maintain their premises, which, in turn, can lead to severe trip or slip and fall accidents. If you were injured in a sidewalk slip or trip and fall, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated Passaic County County sidewalk accident lawyer here at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis for assistance.
Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Representing Injured Slip & Fall Victims in NJ
A sidewalk injury can result in costly medical bills, lost wages from being unable to return to work, and a wide array of other damages. Don’t face such an injury without a competent Passaic County personal injury attorney in your corner who can help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Accidents
Sidewalk slip or trip and fall accidents are often a result of an unsuspecting pedestrian encountering hazardous sidewalk conditions. Some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents are as follows:
- Uneven Sidewalk Surfaces: This is one of the most frequent causes of trips and falls. Sidewalks can become uneven due to tree roots, ground movement, or poor maintenance.
- Cracked or Broken Concrete: Over time, sidewalk concrete can crack or break, creating dangerous tripping hazards. These conditions may result from weather changes, heavy foot traffic, or lack of regular maintenance.
- Slippery Conditions: Sidewalks can become slippery due to rain, spilled liquids, algae growth, or fallen leaves, making them hazardous for pedestrians.
- Obstructions: Items like construction materials, debris, or improperly placed signage can obstruct a clear walking path, leading to accidents.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting during the night or early morning hours can make it difficult to see potential hazards on the sidewalk.
- Lack of Warning Signs: When sidewalks are under repair or present known hazards, the absence of proper warning signs can increase the risk of accidents.
Injuries Sustained in Sidewalk Accidents
Unfortunately, victims can sustain a variety of injuries as a result of sidewalk accident slip and falls. Some of those are as follows:
- Cuts and Bruises: These are the most basic forms of injury and can occur even in less severe falls.
- Sprains and Strains: Twisting or turning to avoid a fall can result in sprains or strains, particularly in the ankles and wrists.
- Broken Bones: Falls often result in fractures, especially in the arms, wrists, or hips, which are commonly used to break a fall.
- Head Injuries: A slip or trip can lead to a fall that causes a concussion or more severe traumatic brain injury, especially if the head strikes the ground or another object.
- Spinal Injuries: These injuries can be particularly serious, including herniated discs or even spinal cord damage, leading to long-term disability.
- Emotional Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, the psychological impact of a fall, such as anxiety or PTSD, can be significant.
Recoverable Compensation
If you’ve been wrongfully injured in a sidewalk slip and fall accident, a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need to move on. This can include economic damages, such as the cost of medical bills or lost wages, as well as noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, a loss of enjoyment of life, and more. As long as you and your attorney can prove that you were injured as a direct result of another party’s negligence, you should qualify for compensation.
Importantly, however, you must not wait to file your claim–the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is, typically, two years, meaning you’ll only have two years from the date of your accident to sue. In some cases, such as if you were injured on a government-owned sidewalk, you may only have as few as 90 days from the date of your accident to file a Notice of Claim.
Contact a New Jersey Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Today
Here at the Law Offices of August R. Soltis, you can depend on a skilled personal injury lawyer to effectively fight for the compensation you deserve after sustaining an injury in a sidewalk accident. If you have further questions or believe you may have a valid claim, simply contact our firm for a free case evaluation today.
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