What To Do After A Slip And Fall Accident In Bergen County, NJ

By Doug Standriff on March 28, 2025

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. It can be at a grocery store, in a parking lot, or on a public sidewalk. If you experience one, it can lead to painful injuries and even long-term consequences.

Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident in Bergen County, NJ, is important for your health and potential legal case. The following steps will guide you through what needs to be done in the aftermath of an incident.

What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If you’ve fallen, the first thing you need to do is assess your condition. If you’re hurt, seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine, it’s wise to get checked by a healthcare professional.

Some injuries–like internal damage or soft tissue injuries–may not show symptoms immediately. Getting checked out will document your injuries and serve as important evidence should you need to file a claim.

If the fall happened at a business or public area, the property owner may be responsible for your injuries. This is especially the case if it’s determined that their negligence caused the accident. A healthcare provider’s documentation can be helpful in proving this. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s best to be safe and have a professional evaluation.

Report the Incident to the Property Owner

Once you have addressed your immediate health concerns, notify the property owner or manager about the accident. If you fell on a business property, you have to alert them right away. They might not be aware of the hazard that caused your fall–such as a wet floor or uneven pavement.

Get the details of any property owner or manager you speak with and ask for a copy of the accident report. If they do not provide one, make your own notes and keep track of the time, date, and any conversations you had. This can help strengthen your case if you decide to file a claim later on.

Take Photographs of the Scene

Documentation of the accident site is vital. If you’re able to do so, take pictures of the area where you fell.

Look for potential hazards that contributed to the accident, such as spills, poor lighting, or broken steps. Make sure the photos capture the conditions as clearly as possible. These images will help your case if you pursue legal action or file a claim.

Furthermore, take photos of any visible injuries. Even if your injury doesn’t seem serious at the time, wounds or bruising may develop later. Having a visual record will be helpful for both medical and legal purposes.

Gather Witness Statements

If anyone witnessed the slip and fall, ask for their contact information. Their statements could be vital in proving what happened and who may be at fault.

Witnesses can confirm the conditions at the time of the accident, no matter if the area was hazardous, or if they saw the accident happen. In case the incident occurred in a public space, there may be surveillance cameras that capture the event. This could provide additional evidence in your favor.

Make sure to collect any relevant details from witnesses, such as their names and phone numbers. The more evidence you have to support your version of events, the stronger your case will be.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you are injured and considering filing a claim for compensation, consulting a personal injury lawyer in Bergen County, NJ is a good step. An attorney specializing in slip and fall accidents can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of pursuing a claim.

They can also help with gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and negotiating with the responsible party or their insurers.

Having legal representation means you don’t miss any important steps or deadlines while working toward securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Keep Track of Medical Expenses and Losses

As you recover from your injuries, keep detailed records of your medical treatments, doctor visits, medications, and any other expenses related to your recovery. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, document your lost wages. These records matter when calculating the amount of compensation you might be entitled to.

Also, keep a personal journal of your recovery process. Note any physical or emotional challenges you experience as you heal. This could be useful in your claim. It helps paint a clearer picture of how the accident affected your life.

Be Mindful of Legal Deadlines

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents, is typically two years.

You must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident, or you risk losing your right to seek compensation. It’s important to be aware of this timeline and take timely action if you plan to pursue legal action.

Get Expert Legal Help for Your Slip and Fall Accident in Bergen County, NJ

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Bergen County, NJ, time is of the essence. Lawyers at Bergen Law, led by Douglas Standriff and Marissa Messinger, specialize in personal injury law and can help you secure the compensation you deserve. With over 30 years of experience, we understand New Jersey’s negligence laws and how to build a strong case for slip and fall victims.

Contact Bergen Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will evaluate your case and explain how we can help you recover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call 551-231-8025 to schedule a consultation now. Get the expert legal representation you need in your slip and fall injury case.