Do You Need A Slip And Fall Attorney? Here’s What They Do
By Doug Standriff on October 5, 2025
If you’ve recently taken a tumble in a store, on a sidewalk, or even at your workplace, you might be wondering whether you need a slip and fall attorney. While it’s easy to brush off a fall as something minor or accidental, these types of incidents can lead to serious injuries, especially for older adults or individuals with preexisting conditions. What might seem like a momentary embarrassment could result in long-term pain, costly medical treatment, and time away from work.
That’s where a slip-and-fall attorney comes in. These legal professionals help injured individuals navigate the process of holding negligent property owners accountable. If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions like wet floors, poor lighting, broken handrails, or icy walkways, you may have a legal right to compensation. But knowing when and how to pursue a claim can be complicated without the proper legal guidance.
Understanding Premises Liability Law
At the heart of most slip-and-fall cases is a legal concept known as premises liability law. In simple terms, this area of law holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors. Whether the property is public or private, the owner has a legal duty to correct known hazards or, at the very least, provide clear warnings.
For example, if a grocery store is aware of a leaky freezer and fails to place a warning sign or clean up the resulting puddle, and someone slips and falls, the store could be held liable. The same principle applies to apartment complexes, parking garages, office buildings, and even private homes.
A slip and fall attorney knows how to examine these details and determine whether the property owner failed to meet their legal duty. These claims can be especially complex when multiple parties are involved, such as landlords, management companies, or maintenance crews.
Investigating the Cause of Your Fall
One of the first things your attorney will do is investigate the specific circumstances surrounding your fall. That includes visiting the location where it happened, gathering evidence such as photographs or video footage, speaking with witnesses, and requesting maintenance records.
The goal is to prove that a hazardous condition existed and that the property owner either knew about it or should have known about it. In legal terms, this is referred to as proving negligence. Without clear evidence, it’s easier for a property owner or insurance company to deny your claim or argue that you were at fault.
Your attorney will also take steps to preserve evidence before it disappears. Security footage can be deleted or overwritten within days, and witness memories fade fast. Acting quickly can significantly enhance the strength of your case.
Evaluating the Full Impact of Your Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from bruises and sprains to broken bones, concussions, and spinal cord damage. These injuries may not always be immediately obvious. In fact, symptoms such as neck pain, dizziness, or joint stiffness may take hours or even days to develop.
A skilled attorney will advise you to get a thorough medical evaluation and help track your treatment progress. That’s because your medical records serve as key evidence in your claim. They also form the foundation for calculating how much compensation you may be entitled to receive.
This includes not only your current medical expenses but also future costs, such as physical therapy, medication, or surgery. If your injury causes you to miss work or limits your ability to earn income, those losses are also considered. Your attorney will take all of this into account when negotiating your settlement.
Communicating With Insurance Companies
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a slip and fall attorney is that they handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurers may contact you shortly after the incident and request a recorded statement. While this may seem routine, anything you say could be used to minimize your claim or suggest that you were somehow at fault.
Your attorney acts as a buffer, ensuring that all communications are handled professionally and strategically. They know how to respond to lowball settlement offers and can present a well-supported case backed by evidence and legal precedent. Insurance companies often take claims more seriously when an experienced attorney is involved.
Negotiating a Settlement or Taking the Case to Court
Most slip and fall cases settle out of court, but a good attorney will always prepare as if a trial is a possibility. This ensures that your claim is taken seriously and that you’re in the strongest position to negotiate a fair settlement.
If the property owner or their insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable amount, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take the case to trial. This involves presenting evidence to a judge or jury, examining witnesses, and making legal arguments on your behalf. While litigation can be time-consuming, it’s sometimes necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
Having an attorney with strong courtroom experience can be particularly valuable here. You want someone who knows how to present a compelling case and isn’t afraid to fight for your rights in court.
When a Slip and Fall Happens at Work
If your fall occurred on the job, the legal landscape changes slightly. In most cases, you would file a workers’ compensation claim to cover your medical bills and lost wages. However, there may also be a third-party liability case if your fall was caused by a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or unsafe conditions maintained by a party other than your employer.
In this situation, it’s wise to consult a professional workplace injury lawyer in Bergen County who can evaluate both aspects of your claim. Workers’ compensation and personal injury law often overlap, and navigating both successfully requires experience and meticulous attention to detail.
Know When It’s Time to Call an Attorney
So, do you really need a slip and fall attorney? If your injuries are minor, your medical bills are low, and there is no dispute about who was at fault, you may be able to resolve the issue on your own. But in many cases, what seems simple at first becomes more complicated.
If the property owner denies liability, the insurance company gives you the runaround, or your injuries require ongoing care, having an attorney can protect your rights and improve your outcome. Timing matters too—there are legal deadlines for filing claims in New Jersey, so don’t wait too long to seek help.
At Bergen Law, we’ve been helping clients with slip and fall claims for over 30 years. As Bergen County’s top-rated slip and fall lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take. Our team combines strong litigation experience with compassionate support, guiding you from the first consultation to the final resolution. If you’ve been injured in a fall, we’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.