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New Jersey Slip and Fall Attorneys

Slip and fall accidents may seem minor at first, but they can lead to serious, even life-changing injuries. Whether you fell in a grocery store in Howell, slipped on ice in a parking lot in Toms River, or tripped over uneven pavement in Oakhurst, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries under New Jersey premises liability law.

At Mallon and Tranger, our experienced New Jersey slip and fall lawyers understand how suddenly these accidents happen and how difficult the aftermath can be. Medical bills pile up, work becomes impossible, and everyday tasks can become painful. That’s why we’re here to hold negligent property owners accountable and help you secure the compensation you need to recover.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are often caused by unsafe property conditions that could and should have been prevented. In New Jersey, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe environments. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries that occur as a result.

Unfortunately, slip and fall injuries are very common. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), over 46,000 people died from slip-and-fall-related injuries in the United States in 2022. 

Here are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents throughout New Jersey:

  • Wet or slippery floors
    • Spilled drinks or food
    • Recently mopped surfaces without warning signs
    • Rain or snow tracked into stores or offices
  • Uneven walking surfaces
    • Cracked sidewalks
    • Loose tiles or uneven flooring
    • Damaged or misaligned pavement
  • Loose floor coverings
    • Torn carpets
    • Unsecured rugs or mats
    • Floor transitions without proper edging
  • Broken or missing handrails
    • Staircases without railings
    • Loose or damaged handrails in apartment buildings or commercial properties
  • Poor lighting
    • Dim stairwells
    • Unlit walkways or parking lots
    • Burned-out bulbs in entryways
  • Snow and ice accumulation
    • Icy sidewalks in front of businesses or homes
    • Untreated parking lots in Toms River and Howell
    • Slippery entryways during New Jersey winters
  • Unmarked temporary hazards
    • Wet paint or waxed floors without warning signs
    • Construction zones without barricades or tape
    • Tools or ladders left in public areas
  • Debris or clutter
    • Boxes, wires, or cords in walkways
    • Items dropped on retail floors in Oakhurst stores
  • Parking lot hazards
    • Potholes or broken curbs
    • Uneven or sunken surfaces
    • Oil slicks or water puddles

Slip and fall accidents happen in common locations across New Jersey, such as:

  • Grocery stores
  • Shopping malls
  • Retail stores
  • Apartment complexes
  • Office buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Stairwells
  • Parking lots
  • Government properties

If your fall was caused by any of the above hazards, you may be eligible for compensation under New Jersey premises liability law.

Common slip and fall injuries

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing conditions. At Mallon and Tranger, we’ve helped injured clients across Monmouth County, Ocean County, and the rest of New Jersey recover compensation for a wide variety of physical and emotional harm.

Here are some of the most common injuries:

  • Broken or fractured bones
    • Hips, wrists, ankles, and arms
    • May require surgery, casts, or physical therapy
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
    • Concussions from hitting the head
    • Long-term cognitive impairment or memory loss
  • Spinal cord injuries
    • Herniated or bulging discs
    • Potential for paralysis or nerve damage
  • Joint injuries
    • Torn ACLs or MCLs in the knee
    • Dislocated shoulders or rotator cuff damage
  • Facial and dental injuries
    • Broken noses or cheekbones
    • Lost or cracked teeth
    • Cuts requiring stitches or reconstructive surgery
  • Soft tissue injuries
    • Sprains and strains
    • Muscle tears or ligament damage
    • Often result in ongoing pain or stiffness
  • Lacerations and abrasions
    • Cuts from sharp objects or rough surfaces
    • May result in scarring or infections
  • Chronic pain or reduced mobility
    • Persistent symptoms long after healing
    • Conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Fatal injuries
    • Especially common among elderly victims in nursing homes
    • May involve internal bleeding, brain trauma, or complications from immobility

Slip and fall injuries in New Jersey can affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to work to your ability to care for your family. Seeking medical treatment right away and contacting a skilled New Jersey slip and fall lawyer is critical to preserving your rights and your recovery.

Determining Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident

In any New Jersey slip and fall case, determining who is legally responsible is one of the most critical steps toward securing compensation. Property owners, business operators, landlords, and even municipalities can be held liable if their negligence contributed to your accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:

  • Private property owners – homeowners, landlords, or tenants responsible for maintaining safe conditions inside and around the property
  • Commercial business owners – grocery stores, retail stores, restaurants, malls, or office buildings in areas like Howell, Oakhurst, or Toms River
  • Landlords and property management companies – for hazards in common areas of apartment complexes, such as stairwells or sidewalks
  • Municipal or government entities – for unsafe conditions on public property, such as town sidewalks or parks in New Jersey

Elements of Liability in New Jersey

To prove that a property owner or occupier was negligent under New Jersey premises liability law, your attorney will need to show the following:

  • A hazardous condition existed
    • Examples: slippery floor, broken step, ice-covered sidewalk, or debris in a walkway
  • The responsible party knew or should have known about the hazard
    • Actual knowledge: the owner was directly aware of the danger (e.g., a reported leak)
    • Constructive knowledge: the hazard existed long enough that the owner should have discovered it through regular maintenance
  • The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix the issue or provide adequate warning
    • No “wet floor” sign posted
    • Ignored complaints from customers or tenants
    • Deferred maintenance or postponed repairs
  • The unsafe condition directly caused the fall and injuries
    • There must be a clear link between the hazard and the accident. For example, if someone slips on a wet floor near the store entrance and suffers a broken hip, the hazard must have directly contributed to the fall.

Imagine a grocery store in Toms River has a malfunctioning freezer that regularly leaks water onto the floor. Employees know about it but never put up caution signs or fix the leak. One day, a customer slips in the puddle, breaks their arm, and ends up with thousands of dollars in medical bills.

In this case:

  • The hazard is the wet floor.
  • The store knew about it.
  • The store failed to warn of or repair the problem.
  • The customer’s injury was directly caused by that failure.

That store could be held legally responsible for the resulting damages.

Government Liability and Deadlines

If your slip and fall occurred on public property, such as a sidewalk, a city stairwell in Howell, or a school parking lot in New Jersey, the process can become more complex. Claims against government entities are subject to special rules, including:

  • Shorter notice deadlines
    • In most New Jersey municipal cases, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident.
  • Limited immunity protections
    • Some government entities have partial immunity unless you prove gross negligence or that they failed to respond after being notified of the hazard.

Because of these complexities, it’s critical to act quickly and consult a knowledgeable New Jersey slip and fall lawyer. Evidence like video footage, witness statements, and property maintenance records can disappear within days or weeks.


Related: What is the Mode of Operation Doctrine in New Jersey Slip and Fall Claims


If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property in New Jersey, don’t try to handle your case alone. Let the experienced attorneys at Mallon and Tranger help you determine liability, protect your legal rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We proudly represent clients in Howell, Oakhurst, Toms River, and communities throughout the state.

How Can an Attorney Help With Your Slip and Fall Claim?

Slip and fall cases are often more complicated than they first appear. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or shift the blame onto you. An experienced attorney can help build a strong case, protect your rights, and negotiate for the full compensation you deserve.

At Mallon and Tranger, our New Jersey slip and fall lawyers will:

  • Investigate the scene and gather key evidence, including photos, surveillance footage, and witness statements
  • Review accident reports and maintenance logs
  • Consult with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries
  • Handle all communication with insurance companies
  • File your claim within applicable New Jersey deadlines
  • Fight for a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary

The premises liability attorneys at Mallon and Tranger can help you show one of the following to meet this burden:

  • The business or an employee of the business caused the unsafe condition that led to your fall.
  • The property owner knew about the unsafe condition and did nothing to correct it.
  • The property owner should have known about the dangerous condition and corrected it.

We proudly serve clients across Howell, Oakhurst, Toms River, and surrounding communities throughout New Jersey.

What Compensation Is Available in a Slip and Fall Claim?

If you were injured due to a property owner’s negligence in New Jersey, you may be eligible to recover a variety of damages through a personal injury claim. Depending on the circumstances of your fall and the severity of your injuries, compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses, including surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
  • Lost wages if you missed work during recovery
  • Loss of earning capacity if you are unable to return to your prior job
  • Pain and suffering for physical discomfort and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries affect your ability to participate in hobbies or daily activities
  • Out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation to medical appointments or mobility aids
  • In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the property owner’s actions were especially reckless

Our firm works with clients throughout New Jersey, from Howell to Oakhurst and Toms River, to ensure their legal rights are protected and their recovery is maximized.

If you or someone you love has suffered a slip and fall injury in New Jersey, don’t wait to take action. Contact Mallon and Tranger today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight to hold negligent property owners accountable.

Serving Monmouth County, Ocean County, and Clients Throughout NJ

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries. The most common and easiest example to describe is an accident that commonly happens in retail stores. When a patron trips or falls on something that should have been cleaned up, then he or she may have a premises liability claim.

Generally, if the slip and fall was caused by someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing, then you likely have a personal injury claim.

What to Do If You Have Fallen on Someone Else’s Property

If you have fallen on someone else’s property, then you may not realize that you have a personal injury case until long after your injuries have occurred and healed.

Follow these simple steps after the accident, as they will help immensely in your slip and fall case:

  • Seek medical help immediately: Getting help quickly is the best way to address any potential medical problems, even if you do not think they are very serious. If your injuries are severe, call an ambulance.
  • Determine the hazard that caused your slip and fall: You must identify what caused your slip and fall if you are going to assert a valid slip and fall claim. If possible, take photos of the cause and also the surrounding area.
  • Report the slip and fall accident: You should tell the management or owners of the property that you have fallen and injured yourself. Although telling them right away is not always practical or possible, you should let them know as soon as you can. Then, the company can file an incident report, which will be crucial to your case.
  • Call a New Jersey slip and fall attorney: Contacting an attorney quickly can increase your chances of a favorable result in your slip and fall case.

We proudly serve injured victims of slip and fall accidents throughout the state of New Jersey. We also offer our legal expertise in a wide range of personal injury claims, such as: 

Call Mallon and Tranger Today to Speak With an Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney

The attorneys at Mallon and Tranger can help you or your loved one after an injury from a slip and fall. Call us today for a free case evaluation at (732) 780-0230 or connect with us online for more information.

Our experienced legal team proudly serves clients throughout New Jersey, including Freehold, Point Pleasant, and beyond, and we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with medical bills, missed work, and insurance companies after a serious fall. We’re here to take that burden off your shoulders and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Whether your injuries were caused by unsafe conditions in a store, on a sidewalk, or at a private residence, Mallon and Tranger will stand by your side with trusted guidance and aggressive representation every step of the way. Don’t wait; reach out today and see how we can make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do weather-related conditions impact slip & fall claims in Freehold and Point Pleasant?

In New Jersey, property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions, even when snow, ice, or rain make walkways dangerous. A slip & fall accident caused by untreated ice in Freehold or a slick boardwalk in Point Pleasant can still form the basis of a claim if the owner failed to act within a reasonable time. An attorney can investigate maintenance practices, weather reports, and cleanup logs to show negligence despite bad weather.

Can a slip & fall at a rental property lead to both landlord and tenant liability?

Yes. In New Jersey, responsibility for accident prevention often depends on the lease agreement and control of the area where the slip & fall happened. For example, a Freehold tenant may be responsible for clearing steps they rent, while a Point Pleasant landlord may still need to maintain common areas like hallways or parking lots. An experienced attorney can review agreements and property records to identify every party who may share liability.

What should I do right after a slip and fall to preserve my claim?

Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request an incident report copy. Photograph the hazard, surroundings, lighting, and your footwear from multiple angles. Ask witnesses for names and contact details before they leave. Save receipts or time-stamped records that show why you were there. Seek prompt medical care and describe exactly how you fell to tie injuries to the event. Keep the shoes you wore in an airtight bag so the tread can be inspected later.

How does comparative negligence affect New Jersey slip-and-fall cases?

If you’re partly at fault, your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurers often argue you were distracted or ignored warnings. Counter that by documenting poor lighting, hidden hazards, or lack of timely cleanup. Maintenance logs and surveillance can show the danger existed long enough to be addressed. Your footwear and medical records also help explain why the fall happened. Even with some fault, significant compensation may remain available.

Are there special rules if I fell on government property like a sidewalk or courthouse?

Yes, claims against public entities have strict notice deadlines that are much shorter than standard lawsuits. You may need to file a notice of claim within weeks, not years. Identify the correct agency, such as a city, county, or transit authority. Ask that surveillance and maintenance records be preserved immediately. Missing these steps can jeopardize your case even if negligence is clear. An attorney can ensure compliance while building the liability proof you need.

How quickly should I consult an attorney after a slip & fall in Freehold or Point Pleasant?

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Evidence such as witness memories, surveillance footage, and property conditions can vanish in days or weeks. If you suffered a slip & fall accident in New Jersey, do not wait, reach out to us so we can take immediate steps to protect your claim and pursue compensation.

Additional Information in New Jersey

  • Falls Prevention Conversation Guide for Caregivers: This guide empowers caregivers in New Jersey with practical tools and steps to prevent falls among older adults. It helps identify risk factors—physical, environmental, and behavioral—offers an easy self-assessment checklist, and outlines action steps including home safety modifications, medical reviews, and community support options.
  • CDC – About Older Adult Fall Prevention: Overview of the causes, risk factors, and impact of falls among older adults in the United States, along with strategies to prevent accidents and reduce injuries.
  • New Jersey’s Strategy for Reducing Falls Among Older Adults: This report highlights how New Jersey employs community-based, evidence-backed programs—such as Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance and A Matter of Balance—to maintain below-average fall-related death rates among adults 65+. It underscores the state’s proactive investments in preventive health services to support aging residents and reduce accidents.


Contact Our Office

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call or complete the intake form below.
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732-780-5002
Email:
kwatson@tmallonlaw.com
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