A slip and fall can happen in an instant, but the aftermath can turn your life upside down. Maybe you slipped on a wet grocery store floor or fell on an icy sidewalk. Now you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and time off work because someone else didn’t take care of their property.
Our unique approach has helped us secure significant recoveries for slip and fall victims, including $250,000 for a client who fell down stairs when a handrail broke and $100,000 for an individual injured in a poorly lit stairwell. When property negligence causes your injury, we fight to make things right.
Free Consultation • No Fee Unless We Win • Call (800) 810-3457
Why Choose Sadaka Law for Your Slip and Fall Case
When you’re injured in a slip and fall accident, the property owner’s insurance company immediately begins building its defense. They’ll investigate the scene, interview witnesses, and look for any way to minimize or deny your claim. You need experienced legal representation that can match their efforts from day one.
Decades of Experience in Complex Injury Cases
Mark T. Sadaka brings over 20 years of personal injury experience, including numerous successful slip and fall cases. His background handling complex medical-legal cases means he understands not just the law, but the science behind your injuries and how they’ll impact your life long-term.
Unique Medical Expertise
Unlike most personal injury attorneys, Mark Sadaka holds a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) from Tulane University with a specialization in toxicology and risk assessment. This medical background is invaluable in slip and fall cases because:
- We know how falls affect the body and what signs to look for
- We help spot injuries that might not show up right away
- We work closely with doctors and know how to talk their language
- We push back on insurance company doctors using real science
Proven Track Record of Results
Our successful slip and fall recoveries include:
- $250,000 recovery for stairway handrail failure causing shoulder and hand injuries
- $100,000 recovery for poorly lit stairway fall resulting in knee injury
We treat every client like family, providing:
- Personal attention from Mark Sadaka on every case
- Clear communication in plain English, not legal jargon
- Compassionate support during a difficult time
- Thorough assessment of your case’s strengths and challenges
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Incident
The steps you take immediately after a slip and fall accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you need to do to protect your rights:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Many slip and fall injuries, including concussions, soft tissue damage, and fractures, may not show symptoms immediately due to adrenaline and shock.
Why this matters for your case:
- Creates immediate medical documentation linking your injuries to the fall
- Establishes the severity of your condition from the outset
- Prevents insurance companies from claiming your injuries aren’t related to the accident
2. Document the Scene Thoroughly
If you’re physically able:
- Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall (wet floor, broken step, ice, etc.)
- Photograph the surrounding area including lighting conditions and warning signs (or lack thereof)
- Get pictures of your injuries as soon as possible
- Note weather conditions if outdoors
3. Report the Accident
- Notify the property owner or manager immediately
- Request that they create an incident report and ask for a copy
- Get contact information from the person who took your report
- Don’t sign anything until you speak with a lawyer
4. Gather Witness Information
- Get names and contact information from anyone who saw your fall
- Ask witnesses to briefly describe what they observed
- If possible, have them provide a written statement
5. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t give detailed statements to insurance adjusters without an attorney
- Don’t accept quick settlement offers
- Don’t assume the accident was your fault
- Don’t delay seeking legal advice
Why Quick Action Protects Your Rights
- Evidence preservation: Security footage may be erased, hazards corrected
- Witness availability: People’s memories fade, and they become harder to reach
- Legal deadlines: New Jersey has strict time limits for filing claims
- Insurance investigation: Companies work fast to build their defense
Understanding New Jersey’s Slip and Fall Accident Laws
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, but they’re also among the most challenging to win. Understanding what constitutes a valid case is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve.
What Qualifies as a Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone is injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property. These cases fall under “premises liability” law, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions.
Common scenarios include:
- Slipping on wet or freshly mopped floors without adequate warning
- Falling due to uneven sidewalks, broken pavement, or potholes
- Tripping on torn carpeting, loose floorboards, or debris
- Falling down stairs due to broken handrails, poor lighting, or missing steps
- Ice and snow-related falls on inadequately maintained walkways
How Serious Are Slip and Fall Injuries?
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and fall accidents account for over 1 million emergency room visits annually. These accidents can cause:
- Fractures and broken bones (especially hips, wrists, and ankles)
- Head and brain injuries from striking hard surfaces
- Spinal cord injuries that can result in permanent disability
- Soft tissue damage including sprains, strains, and torn ligaments
- Cuts and lacerations from broken glass or sharp edges
For older adults, slip and fall injuries can be particularly devastating, sometimes leading to long-term disability or even death.
Common Locations and Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Understanding where and why slip and fall accidents occur helps establish liability and prevent future incidents.
High-Risk Locations
| Location Type | Common Hazards |
| Retail Stores & Supermarkets | Spilled liquids, wet floors, cluttered aisles, poor lighting |
| Restaurants & Bars | Spilled food/drinks, greasy floors, poor lighting in dining areas |
| Parking Lots & Sidewalks | Potholes, uneven surfaces, ice/snow, inadequate lighting |
| Office Buildings | Wet entrance areas, loose carpeting, cluttered walkways |
| Nursing Homes | Wet bathroom floors, inadequate handrails, poor supervision |
| Government Properties | Broken sidewalks, inadequate maintenance, construction hazards |
Property Owner Responsibilities
Property owners have a legal duty to:
- Regular Inspection: Routinely check for hazardous conditions
- Prompt Repair: Fix dangerous conditions in a reasonable time
- Adequate Warning: Post signs or barriers around temporary hazards
- Proper Maintenance: Keep walkways, stairs, and common areas safe
- Sufficient Lighting: Ensure adequate visibility in all areas
- Weather Response: Clear ice and snow from walkways promptly
Common Hazards That Lead to Accidents
Indoor Hazards:
- Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
- Torn or wrinkled carpeting and rugs
- Cluttered walkways and aisles
- Poor lighting in stairwells and corridors
- Broken or missing handrails
Outdoor Hazards:
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks and pavement
- Ice and snow accumulation
- Poor drainage leading to standing water
- Inadequate lighting in parking lots and walkways
- Construction debris and materials
New Jersey Premises Liability Law Explained
New Jersey law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for people who have a right to be on their property. However, the level of care owed depends on your legal status when the accident occurred.
Legal Status Classifications
| Status | Definition | Level of Care Owed |
| Invitee | Someone invited for business purposes (store customers, restaurant patrons) | Highest duty: Regular inspection and prompt correction of hazards |
| Licensee | Someone with permission to be there for their own purposes (social guests) | Moderate duty: Warn of known dangers |
| Trespasser | Someone without permission to be on the property | Minimal duty: Only avoid intentional harm |
Most slip and fall cases involve invitees, as these are people lawfully on the property for the owner’s benefit.
Property Type Considerations
Private Property:
- Standard premises liability rules apply
- Property owner is typically responsible for maintenance
- Insurance usually provides coverage
Government Property:
- Special notice requirements (often 90 days)
- Sovereign immunity may apply in some cases
- Shorter deadlines for filing claims
Commercial vs. Residential:
- Commercial properties are held to higher standards due to public access
- Residential properties have different maintenance expectations
- Business invitees receive maximum protection under the law
Do You Have a Valid Slip and Fall Case?
Not every slip and fall accident results in a valid legal claim. To recover compensation, you must prove that the property owner was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries.
The Four Elements of Negligence
| Element | What Must Be Proven |
| Duty | The property owner owed you a duty of care based on your legal status |
| Breach | The property owner failed to meet their duty (didn’t maintain safe conditions) |
| Causation | The unsafe condition directly caused your fall and injuries |
| Damages | You suffered actual harm (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) |
Addressing Comparative Negligence
New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which means:
- You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault
- If you’re 50% or less at fault: You can recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you’re 51% or more at fault: You cannot recover any compensation
Common defense arguments we counter:
- “The hazard was open and obvious”
- “The victim wasn’t watching where they were going”
- “The victim was wearing inappropriate footwear”
- “The victim was intoxicated or distracted”
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
When property negligence causes your slip and fall injuries, you have the right to seek full compensation for all your losses. At Sadaka Law, we fight to recover every dollar you’re entitled to.
Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)
| Medical Expenses | Lost Income | Other Costs |
| Emergency room visits | Past lost wages | Home modifications |
| Hospital stays | Future earning capacity | Assistive devices |
| Surgery and procedures | Lost benefits | Transportation costs |
| Rehabilitation therapy | Career limitations | Prescription medications |
| Ongoing medical care | Reduced work capacity | Personal care assistance |
Non-Economic Damages (Personal Losses)
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma
- Loss of Enjoyment: Activities and pleasures you can no longer enjoy
- Disability and Disfigurement: Permanent physical limitations and scarring
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships with spouse and family
Importance of Documenting All Losses
Keep detailed records of:
- All medical appointments and treatments
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost work time and income
- Transportation costs to medical care
- How your injuries affect daily life
- Emotional and psychological impacts
New Jersey Deadlines and Legal Timelines
Understanding and meeting legal deadlines is crucial to protecting your right to compensation. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, regardless of how strong your case might be.
Critical Time Limits in New Jersey
| Type of Claim | Deadline | Special Requirements |
| Private Property | 2 years from accident date | Standard personal injury statute of limitations |
| Government Property | 90 days for notice | Must file formal notice within 90 days; 2-year lawsuit deadline still applies |
| Municipal Property | 90 days for notice | Special notice requirements for city/county property |
Special Rules for Government Property Claims
If your slip and fall occurred on government property (sidewalks, government buildings, public parks), New Jersey law requires:
90-Day Notice Requirement:
- Written notice must be filed within 90 days of the accident
- This notice must include specific details about the accident and injuries
- Failure to provide proper notice can bar your entire claim
- This applies to state, county, and municipal properties
What the Notice Must Include:
- Date, time, and exact location of the accident
- Description of the hazardous condition that caused your fall
- Description of your injuries
- Circumstances surrounding the accident
Proven Results
At Sadaka Law, we measure our success not just in dollars recovered, but in lives rebuilt and futures secured. Here are examples of how we’ve helped slip and fall victims get the justice they deserve:
Case Results
$250,000 Recovery: Client suffered shoulder and hand injuries when a stairway handrail broke during their fall. We proved the property owner failed to properly maintain this critical safety feature.
$100,000 Recovery: Client injured their knee in a fall down poorly lit stairs. Our investigation showed the property owner knew about the inadequate lighting but failed to correct this dangerous condition.
Why Clients Choose Us Again and Again
- Personal attention from Mark Sadaka on every case
- Medical expertise that other attorneys simply don’t have
- Compassionate approach during difficult times
- Proven results with millions recovered for injured clients
- No-fee guarantee unless we win your case
Get a Free Consultation with a New Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t let the property owner’s insurance company take advantage of you. The decisions you make in the days following your accident can impact the rest of your life.
What to Expect from Your Free Consultation
- Complete Case Analysis: We’ll review all aspects of your accident and injuries
- Clear Explanation of Rights: Understand your legal options in plain English
- Honest Case Assessment: We’ll tell you if you have a strong claim or if we can’t help
- Potential Value Discussion: Learn what your case might be worth
- No Obligation: You’re free to decide if we’re the right fit for you
Frequently Asked Questions
You generally have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. However, if your accident occurred on government property (such as a city sidewalk or public building), you must file a formal notice within 90 days of the accident. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, so it’s crucial to contact an attorney immediately.
New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. You can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were 50% or less responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would receive 80% of the total damages. If you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
Even seemingly “minor” slip and fall injuries can have serious long-term consequences, and property owners’ insurance companies often try to minimize claims regardless of injury severity. An experienced attorney can help ensure you receive proper medical evaluation, document your case correctly, and pursue full compensation. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, there’s no financial risk in having your case evaluated.
At Sadaka Law, we work on a “no fee unless we win” basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, and our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or court award. We also advance all case expenses during litigation, so you don’t have to worry about paying for investigations, expert witnesses, or court costs.
If you’re physically able, take photographs of the hazard that caused your fall, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and ask the property owner to create an incident report. Seek medical attention promptly, even if you feel fine, and keep all medical records. Most importantly, contact an experienced slip and fall attorney as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is properly preserved and your rights are protected.
