It is an unfortunate fact of life that accidents can happen anywhere. This can even include while utilizing a staircase. Often times, these accidents happen very quickly and without warning. As a result, they can cause serious injuries that can impact a person for the rest of their life. This tends to lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. It is because of this that victims in these situations sometimes want to pursue legal action in order to recover compensation for these damages. In doing so, it is crucial to contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney for assistance.
Causes of Staircase Accidents
While some accidents that occur in a staircase can be the result of a person’s own carelessness, other times they can be due to the negligence of another party. This may be the case in the event that the property owner who is obligated to take care of the staircase fails to do so. When this happens, certain hazards can arise that can threaten the safety of those who use the stairs. This can include but is not limited to:
- Insufficient lighting
- Broken railings
- Damaged steps
Recovering Financial Compensation After a Staircase Accident
When the victim of a staircase accidents wants to pursue legal action for their suffering, they can do so through a personal injury claim. It is important to know that, during this time, the individual is required to prove that the property owner was negligent in order to be successful. This can be done by gathering evidence that shows the property owner was aware, or should have been aware of the hazard and failed to fix it, thus resulting in their injuries. Evidence that can be beneficial in court can include medical documentation of the individual’s injuries, any pictures or videos of the hazard, a police report of the incident if there is one, and any witness testimonies.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
If the victim of a staircase accident wishes to pursue legal action, it is important to not wait too long to do so. This is because a statute of limitations exists, placing a deadline on the time they have to file a personal injury claim. They are required to meet this deadline, otherwise, they may lose their right to legal action and not recover compensation as a result. In the state of New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
We understand the implications of a serious accident. If you believe you were injured due to another party’s negligence, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced firm. We are more than willing to help you recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Our personal injury specialists at Greenberg & Walden, LLC are standing by for a free initial consultation. Call us at 201-528-6928.
