When do you need a personal injury lawyer?
Slip and fall incidents can happen anywhere: from the workplace to shopping centers. While we often associate these types of injuries with ice and snow during the winter months, summer presents plenty of its own slip and fall dangers. Below are several of the most common slip and fall locations our Northern New Jersey personal injury lawyers see during the summer season, along with a few ways to protect yourself.
If you believe someone was responsible for your slip or fall, Buttafuoco & Associates may be able to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Public Pools and Waterparks
Summer means high temperatures, which make pools and water parks some of the most iconic spots for summer fun. That said, wet and slippery surfaces paired with hard concrete creates a perfect environment for serious injuries.
While it may seem like victims would struggle to build a court case when water is part of the equation, owners and staff still have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for customers. If they fail to do so, they can be charged with negligence by a personal injury lawyer in Northern New Jersey.
Aside from slips and falls, pools also present a variety of other potential injury hazards. For example, the CDC estimates that mishandled pool chemicals lead to an average of 4,535 Emergency Room visits annually. Drownings are also unfortunately common, resulting in many wrongful death cases each year.
If you had an accident at a pool or water park and are unsure whether or not you have a case, Buttafuoco & Associates can help with a free consultation at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
Boats, Docks, and Marinas
Anywhere you encounter standing water during the summer months can obviously present slip and fall dangers, and therefore increase your risk of experiencing a serious injury. In many cases, however, a victim of a slip and fall is a guest of a public beach or dock, or a passenger on a friend’s boat.
There are many cases in which a government entity or individual could be considered negligent if you slip or fall at any of these locations. For example, if a driver of a boat is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or simply exhibiting dangerous driving, and causes your slip or fall, you may have a case. Because these cases can be complicated and negligence can be difficult to prove, getting in touch with a lawyer to discuss your legal options is usually a good idea.
Summer Tourist Attractions
With the massive crowds making their way to ballparks, zoos, and amusement parks this summer, our slip and fall lawyers serving Northern New Jersey unfortunately expect to see a spike in slip and fall cases involving many of our favorite summer destinations. Something as simple as a spilled drink in the line for a rollercoaster can lead to serious consequences for an unlucky summer fun-seeker.
Again, even a seemingly small incident can cause major injuries, and owners and management of these venues must be held responsible so victims can receive the compensation they need to recover. Even if the cause of your slip or fall was minor, that doesn’t preclude you from filing a lawsuit if it is warranted.
Understanding Comparative Negligence
An important aspect of any personal injury case in New Jersey is that we live in a comparative negligence state. This means that even if you were partly at fault for your injuries, if the defendant is considered more negligent, you are still entitled to compensation for damages. It is a good idea to talk with a lawyer, even if you were partially responsible for your injuries: they will be able to advise on whether or not you have a case.
Safety Tips for Summer Water Fun
When participating in any outdoor activity involving water, there are many steps you can take to keep yourself safe. First, whether you’re at a water park, amusement park, or swimming pool, follow all rules and regulations. They are there to keep you safe. First and foremost, this means don’t run on wet surfaces, and supervise your children to ensure they do the same. If you’re out boating, don’t stand or move around the boat while it’s in motion unless it is absolutely necessary.
Another way you can prevent slips and falls is by wearing proper footwear. Closed-toe water shoes have good grip and can often prevent slips on wet surfaces. Flip flops, though perfect summer footwear in a lot of cases, can unfortunately be a poor choice for a day on the water.
Call Our Personal Injury Lawyers!
Though we hope your summer fun goes off without the need to call a Northern New Jersey personal injury attorney, if you take a bad fall this summer and sustain an injury, get in touch with our law firm, Buttafuoco & Associates for a free consultation. We will fight for you so your medical expenses are covered despite any insurance company getting in the way!
Call us at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
