When you visit someone else’s property—whether it’s a grocery store, a friend’s house, or a public park—you have a reasonable expectation of safety. But when a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions and you suffer an injury as a result, you may be entitled to compensation under New Jersey’s premises liability laws.
Premises liability cases are often misunderstood. These types of claims don’t just involve slips and falls—they can also include injuries caused by poor lighting, broken stairs, falling objects, and even criminal acts that occur due to negligent security.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners or managers accountable for accidents and injuries that occur on their premises due to unsafe or hazardous conditions. These hazards can include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven pavement or broken walkways
- Inadequate lighting in stairwells or parking lots
- Falling merchandise or ceiling tiles
- Negligent security leading to assault or robbery
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In New Jersey, both commercial and residential property owners have a duty of care to visitors. This duty can vary based on the visitor’s status (invitee, licensee, or trespasser), but generally, owners must take reasonable steps to inspect and fix dangerous conditions—or warn others about them.
If a business or landlord fails to meet these responsibilities and someone gets hurt, they may be found liable. In some cases, maintenance companies, security firms, or tenants may also share responsibility.
What Must Be Proven in a Premises Liability Claim?
To successfully bring a premises liability case, the injured party (plaintiff) must demonstrate the following:
- The property owner owed a duty of care
- The owner breached that duty through negligence
- The breach directly caused the injury
- There were actual damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.)
Evidence can include surveillance footage, accident reports, photographs of the hazard, witness testimony, and medical documentation. Working with an experienced attorney can significantly strengthen your case.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Insurance companies often dispute premises liability claims, arguing that the injured person was at fault or that the hazard was too minor to have caused the injury. A knowledgeable premises liability attorney can help you navigate these defenses, gather evidence, and advocate for full and fair compensation.
In addition to proving liability, your attorney will assess the full extent of your damages—both economic (medical costs, rehab, lost income) and non-economic (pain and suffering, emotional distress).
ASK Law Firm LLC: Your Advocate in New Jersey
At ASK Law Firm LLC, we understand the physical and financial toll that a preventable injury can take. Our legal team is experienced in all areas of premises liability law, and we’ve helped countless clients recover damages for injuries sustained on both private and commercial properties.
We approach each case with dedication and attention to detail, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Our client-first philosophy means you receive clear communication, strategic legal advice, and tireless advocacy from the moment you contact us.
If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, don’t delay. Evidence can fade quickly, and New Jersey law imposes strict time limits for filing a claim. Let us help you protect your rights and your future.
Contact Information
ASK LAW FIRM LLC
15 Warren St # 20, Hackensack, NJ 07601
1460 US-9 Suite 301, Woodbridge, NJ 07095