There are staircases in every building that has more than one floor. It is because of this that they are used by many people every day. People who are simply going about their day do not usually think of being involved in an accident in a staircase, however, it can happen very suddenly. These accidents can cause serious injuries that result in not just physical burdens, but emotional and financial as well. When facing these situations, it is important to retain the services of an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney for assistance with your case.
Causes of Staircase Accidents
Sometimes, people can become injured in a staircase accident as a result of their own carelessness. This may be the case if they are in a hurry and rushing down the stairs without implementing caution. However, these accidents can also be caused due to the negligence of the property owner. This can be seen if there is insufficient lighting, broken railings, damaged steps, and more present in the staircase.
Recovering Financial Compensation After a Staircase Accident
When a person is injured in a staircase accident due to negligence, they usually wish to pursue legal action in order to recover compensation. It is important to know that, in order to do this, they are required to prove negligence. This can be done by showing that they were injured as a direct result of the other party’s behavior. A personal injury attorney can assist this process by gathering evidence for the case. This must show that the property owner knew, or should have reasonably known about the hazard that caused the accident. Evidence that can be useful can include pictures or videos of the hazard, the police report of the incident, medical documentation of the injuries, and any witness statements.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
It is important to know that, when pursuing legal action against a property owner, the injured party has a certain amount of time to do so. This is known as a statute of limitations. The deadline requires the injured party to file a personal injury claim within the allotted time period, otherwise, they may lose their chance to do so. This can result in them being unable to recover compensation entirely. In the state of New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is two years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured as a result of a defective product and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.
