Key Takeaways
Slip and fall accidents happen in an instant. A wet floor with no warning sign, a cracked sidewalk, a poorly lit stairwell, and suddenly someone is on the ground with serious injuries. These incidents are not minor inconveniences; they can cause broken bones, spinal damage, and head trauma that can sideline a person for months or permanently alter the course of their life.
Property owners in New Jersey carry a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors, and when they ignore hazards or fail to warn the public, injured people have the right to pursue compensation. Our Hackensack slip and fall lawyers at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. fight for injured clients across Bergen County and beyond, bringing a direct, results-driven approach to every case. If you or someone you care about is facing this category of injury, contact our legal team for a free case review.
Recoverable damages in a slip and fall case may include:
Lasting disability or reduced quality of life may also factor into the damages calculation. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence standard, which allows recovery as long as the injured person is not more than 50 percent at fault, although compensation is reduced proportionally based on the degree of shared responsibility.
The steps taken immediately after a fall can shape the outcome of a legal claim.
New Jersey premises liability law holds property owners accountable when known hazards injure visitors. To succeed in a claim, the injured person must show that a dangerous condition existed, that the owner knew or should have known about it, and that it directly caused the injury. This standard applies to businesses, landlords, homeowners, and government entities alike, making it broadly applicable across the many property types found throughout Hackensack.
New Jersey law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically eliminates the right to seek compensation. Falls on public property maintained by a government entity require even faster action, as a notice of claim must be filed within 90 days of the incident.
Slip and fall accidents most often result in:
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are among the most serious consequences of a fall in Bergen County and beyond. When someone strikes their head against a hard surface such as concrete, tile, or pavement, the impact can cause a concussion, brain bleed, or lasting neurological damage affecting memory, balance, and speech. Symptoms including headaches, confusion, and mood changes may not appear for hours or days after the injury. Our Hackensack slip and fall accident lawyers work with medical professionals to fully document TBI-related losses. In fact, our founding partner, Dawn Pinnisi, is extremely passionate about fighting for the rights of TBI victims, and is even a member of National Traumatic Brain Injury Association.
Hackensack is a dense Bergen County city with heavy foot traffic, aging commercial buildings, and high-volume public spaces. Its main hazards include wet floors without proper signage, icy or uncleared walkways, uneven pavement, poor stairwell lighting, and damaged flooring in retail or residential buildings. Areas near Hackensack University Medical Center and the Main Street corridor see especially high pedestrian activity, which increases the likelihood that a hazard will go unnoticed or unaddressed by property owners.
Property owners often argue that a visible hazard absolves them of liability, although New Jersey courts weigh the full picture, including lighting, distractions, and whether a reasonable warning was posted. Each case turns on its specific facts, which is why a thorough investigation matters.
Yes, although claims against government entities follow stricter procedural rules than those against private property owners. A notice of claim must be filed within 90 days of the incident, making it important to act quickly and consult our Hackensack slip and fall law firm as soon as possible.
Footwear may be raised as a factor by the defense, although it does not automatically bar recovery. New Jersey’s comparative negligence rules allow the court to weigh all contributing factors, and compensation may still be available as long as the injured person is not more than 50 percent at fault.
After a serious slip and fall injury, having trusted legal advice is invaluable. Do not hesitate to contact the Hackensack slip and fall lawyers at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. Our experienced legal team is ready to stand up for you. Call us at 201-588-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout New York, New Jersey, and Florida, and have offices conveniently located in Manhattan, Paramus, and Jacksonville.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
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