Slips, Trips & Falls
Slip and Fall Attorney in West Orange, NJ
Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injury or even death. If you were injured in this way as a result of someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to compensation. The Law Offices of Mitchell Friedman can help you get it. Attorney Mitchell Friedman has more than 30 years of experience helping his clients pursue slip or trip and fall cases as a personal injury lawyer in the Bergen County, NJ area. He’s a tough, reliable attorney that will give your case the attention it deserves. Call the Law Offices of Mitchell Friedman for representation in any of these areas:
- Essex County, NJ
- Newark, NJ
- Morris County, NJ
- Orange, NJ
- Union County, NJ
- Passaic County, NJ
- East Orange, NJ
- Monmouth County, NJ
- West Orange, NJ
- Bergen County, NJ
- Middlesex County, NJ
- Ocean County, NJ
Potential Causes of Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
You know how easy it is to slip or trip over something. Sometimes, you catch yourself quickly with no harm done, but other times, you may find yourself on the floor. If you’re in a public place when this happens, the owner may be liable for your accident—especially if you can prove reasonable care wasn’t exercised or hazardous conditions were present when you fell.
You might, for instance, have noticed slippery floors, scattered debris, loose tile or carpet, unmarked steps, or a cracked and icy sidewalk. You may have been unable to see properly due to dim lights. If any of these obstacles were present, you may be entitled to financial compensation for a personal injury.
Injuries That May Result From a Slip, Trip, or Fall
Often, Americans don’t take slip-and-fall cases seriously. However, these scenarios cause thousands of injuries and deaths in the US each year. More than one million Americans receive an injury from slips or trips and falls in the US each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Between 20 and 30 percent of these people experience some sort of injury from these cases each year, and more than 17,000 die.
Slip and fall accidents can cause several injuries:
- Broken bones and torn ligaments
- Soft tissue and muscle damage
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Back injuries
- Permanent disability
- Death
A range of injuries may result from slip, trip, and fall accidents. Sometimes, injuries don’t show up for a while. Delayed effects from bumping your head, for instance, may appear quite late. With that in mind, it’s important to pay close attention to any changes in your condition following an accident and report these to your attorney and medical professional as soon as possible.
Damages That May Be Recovered for Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents
You may be entitled to compensation for your accident if you can prove negligence to building maintenance, unsafe conditions, inadequate snow and ice removal, or other premises liability. Contact a personal injury lawyer from our West Orange, New Jersey, law firm to help you navigate your claim. Our personal injury attorneys in Essex County begin with a consultation to learn the facts and guide clients to determine and obtain proper damages.
You may be able to recover medical expenses, funds to cover losses in work time, and other compensation for your trauma. We guide you to a fair settlement in a reasonable amount of time so you can start feeling better and get back to your life.
Serving as An Experienced Trip and Fall Lawyer for New York and New Jersey
If you suffered physical and financial damage from one of these scenarios from a situation that wasn’t your fault, call attorney Friedman. With his background as a personal injury lawyer, he can litigate for clients and perform essential tasks in their slip and fall cases like:
- Filing documents with the court and serving them to defendants
- Adhering to strict court-mandated deadlines
- Negotiating with opposing parties
- Representing you in court
Instead of trying to represent yourself, call attorney Friedman. A lawyer can significantly increase your chances of winning your slip and fall claim.
A personal injury lawyer has two main responsibilities in a slip and fall case. They need to prove that the defendant was both at fault and negligent. To determine fault, a lawyer needs to prove that the defendant’s actions led directly or indirectly to the victim’s accident. Also, an attorney needs to prove negligence. This means that the defendant had a responsibility to maintain a certain level of safety for the area but knowingly shirked that duty. If a lawyer can prove both of these factors, their client will win their slip and fall claim.
Speak with One of Our Fall Lawyers Today
With more than three decades of hands-on experience helping clients in the Bergen County, NJ area win their slip and fall claims, the Law Offices of Mitchell Friedman has built a reputation as a reliable, professional personal injury firm. Attorney Friedman and his staff have the real-world background and legal knowledge necessary to help you win your case. Instead of choosing a massive, impersonal firm with hundreds of lawyers to handle your slip and fall claim, choose the Law Offices of Mitchell Friedman. With the seasoned capability of a large firm and the personalized service of a boutique law office, you can trust attorney Friedman to guide you through the civil court process. Don’t wait. Call today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Slip & Fall Accidents
You generally have two years from the date of your accident to sue. If the fall happened on city, county, or other public property, you must also file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Missing either deadline can stop your case before it starts, so contact a lawyer right away.
Taking the right steps after a slip and fall accident can significantly protect your health and your legal claim:
- Seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries (like concussions or soft tissue damage) may not show symptoms immediately.
- Report the incident. Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor and request that an incident report be created.
- Document the scene. Take photos or videos of the hazard (wet floors, uneven pavement, poor lighting, etc.), your injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Collect witness information. Get names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened.
- Preserve evidence. Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing in case they become relevant later.
- Avoid detailed statements. Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact a slip and fall attorney. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and ensure critical evidence is preserved.
Prompt action can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.
What you say after an accident can affect your claim. To protect yourself:
- Do not admit fault or say things like “I wasn’t paying attention.”
- Avoid minimizing your injuries (e.g., “I’m okay” or “It’s not that bad”).
- Do not speculate about what caused the fall.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to the property owner’s insurance company without legal advice.
- Do not post details on social media about the accident or your injuries.
Insurance companies may use your words to reduce or deny your claim. It’s best to consult with an experienced slip and fall attorney before making formal statements.
The success of a slip and fall case depends on several key factors, including:
- Proof of negligence – Can it be shown that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition?
- Clear evidence of a hazardous condition – Photos, maintenance records, and witness statements strengthen your case.
- Severity of injuries – Documented medical treatment helps demonstrate damages.
- Comparative fault considerations – Your level of responsibility, if any, may impact recovery.
Each case is unique. An experienced premises liability attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your situation and provide a realistic assessment of your claim’s strength.
Slip and fall settlements vary widely depending on the circumstances. Your total compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future treatment)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
However, your net recovery—the amount you actually receive—will depend on:
- Attorney’s fees (often contingency-based)
- Case expenses (expert witnesses, court costs, medical records)
- Medical liens or insurance reimbursements
- Any comparative fault reduction
An attorney can help estimate your potential recovery and explain how fees and expenses are calculated so you understand what to expect before moving forward.