Unexpectedly losing your footing can lead to serious injuries even if you are in good physical condition, but especially if you are young, elderly, or already dealing with physical limitations. Accidents like this happen frequently in New Jersey and across the United States. However, filing a successful lawsuit for an accidental fall requires overcoming significant challenges, even when it seems clear that another person caused your injury.
One of the biggest initial obstacles that people face when pursuing slip-and-fall claims is understanding which scenarios justify filing this type of lawsuit. With that in mind, here are some of the more common causes of slip and falls in Clark that a talented slip and fall accident attorney at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC have helped effectively sue over in the past.
Unmarked Wet and Icy Surfaces
Despite being nicknamed the Garden State, anyone who has lived in New Jersey knows how cold it can get during the wintery months and how treacherous ice buildup, or even rainwater on slick surfaces like tiles, can be. In addition to natural slipping hazards like these, things like unaddressed spills in store aisles and leaking containers in warehouses are common causes of slips and fall accidents in Clark that can potentially serve as grounds for legal action.
Broken Flooring and Fixtures
Structural flaws in commercial and residential buildings are another common culprit for accidental falls in Clark. Loose floorboards, cracked tiles, uneven steps, and unsecured handrails in staircases can quickly destabilize someone, leading to a fall with devastating and even life-threatening repercussions.
Cluttered Walking Spaces
Even if pedestrian paths in stores and apartment complexes are in perfect condition, property owners or managers who allow debris and clutter to accumulate can quickly create a serious fall hazard. Even something as small as an electrical cord stretched across a walkway becomes a major tripping hazard, especially if it is not secured to the floor with tape or a rubber cover.
Lack of Sufficient Lighting
Finally, one of the most underrated but still common causes of slipping and tripping accidents in Clark is subpar lighting in dark areas. Whether a broken or missing light fixture causes the issue, poor lighting can lead people to misplace their feet just as easily as ice, broken steps, or debris in a walkway.
A Clark Attorney Can Help Sue Over Common Causes of Slip and Falls
Ultimately, the reason these hazards can justify civil litigation is not necessarily their level of danger but rather whether a landowner’s negligent property management caused them to exist. If you can prove that a property owner knew or reasonably should have known about a hazard but failed to warn you about it or cordon it off, you may be able to sue them over your injury and demand compensation for your ensuing losses.
Skilled legal counsel can help you achieve the best possible outcomes in cases involving these and other common causes of slip-and-fall accidents in Clark. Call Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, today for a free case evaluation.
