Five Essential Steps To Protect Your Legal Rights
In New Jersey, as in all states, residential and commercial property owners have a duty to maintain their premises so as to minimize the risk of injury to anyone legally visiting the property. Nonetheless, many New Jersey residents suffer needless injury every year because of slips and falls on poorly maintained property. What are the five essential things you want to do in the aftermath of a slip and fall in New Jersey?
Step #1—Get the Medical Care You Need
Your health should always be your first priority after any type of accident. Some injuries will be obvious, but many, including some of the most debilitating, may not be readily apparent or may take time to develop. Take an immediate assessment of your injuries. Don’t downplay any injury.
If you’ve suffered a bump or blow to the head, or have injuries to your neck or back, it’s in your best interest to minimize your movement. If you can do so without putting yourself at further risk, stay where you are until emergency responders arrive. Even if you can walk away from the accident, seek medical care at the nearest hospital or urgent care facility, or see your primary care doctor.
Step #2—Notify Necessary Parties of the Accident
The sooner you can tell the owner, property manager, landlord, or tenant of the slip and fall, the sooner you’ll create a formal record. This can prevent the property owner from alleging that your injuries were caused by some other incident.
Step #3—Gather Relevant Contact Information From Witnesses
Eyewitness testimony can be compelling in a personal injury lawsuit. If someone witnessed the accident, you’ll want to get their personal contact information, so your attorney can reach out to them and create a witness statement.
Step #4—Get Photos of Relevant Evidence
Use your phone, if necessary, to take pictures of anything related to your accident, including weather conditions, any defects on the property, and your injuries.
Step #5—Retain Experienced Legal Counsel
The sooner you hire a proven personal injury lawyer, the sooner your rights will be protected. Your attorney will be your representative or intermediary at all stages of the process, helping you take the right steps to safeguard your claim.
Contact the Law Office of Howard D. Popper
At the Law Offices of Howard D. Popper, we can help protect your rights. For a free initial consultation to discuss your options after any type of personal injury, including injuries suffered in a slip and fall accident, contact our office online or call 973-993-8787 to set up an appointment. We have offices in Morristown and Newton.
We handle all personal injury matters, including premises liability claims, on a contingent fee basis. You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover damages for your losses.