Supermarket Accidents in New Jersey | What to Know

Common Causes of New Jersey Supermarket Accidents

Supermarket accidents can occur for any number of reasons. The most common reasons include:

Indoor and Aisle Hazards

• Spills: Liquids or dropped produce that is not cleaned up in a timely manner can result in slips and falls
• Debris: Items that fall from carts or shelves can cause slips and trips
• Poorly placed mats: Mats that curl, shift, collect moisture, or that are not properly anchored can result in falls
• Unattended obstacles: Boxes, carts, cords, and pallets left in the aisles can result in tripping hazards

Outdoor and Parking Lot Risks

• Parking lot surfaces: Uneven pavement, potholes, and oil spots can create unsafe slipping conditions
• Weather conditions: Uncleared snow or ice, or water tracked into a store, can result in dangerous conditions
• Poor lighting: Reduced visibility from a lack of parking lot lighting can result in slips, trips, and falls

How Liability Works in a Supermarket Setting in New Jersey

New Jersey premises liability law generally holds property owners and those who occupy properties responsible for maintaining safe conditions. When these conditions lead to injuries, liability will depend on whether or not the property owner had a reasonable time to remove the hazards and whether or not they should have foreseen the circumstances.

For example, if you are injured in a grocery store because a negligent employee failed to put a wet floor sign up after cleaning, the store would face liability, as the employee should have known about the hazard through their training. However, if you are injured because you slip on water due to a pipe that burst one minute prior, the store may be absolved of liability because there was no reasonable timeframe in which they could have responded to the hazard.

Legal Standard for Premises Liability

• Duty of care: Supermarket owners must use reasonable care to keep their premises safe for customers
• Notice: The store must have known or should have known about the hazard
• Foreseeability: The condition that resulted in the injury should have been uncovered during routine inspection

Proving Your New Jersey Supermarket Injury Claim

If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you will have to prove that this negligence occurred. As such, gathering as much evidence as possible is critical to protect yourself and your future legal claim.

Immediate Post-Accident Steps

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor or you feel okay
• Take photos and videos of the hazard before management can remedy the issue
• Gather names and contact information of witnesses
• File a store incident report and obtain a copy before leaving the premises

Evidence That Can Help Your Claim

• Surveillance footage of the accident
• Inspection and maintenance logs
• Witness statements
• Medical records

How Long Do I Have to File a New Jersey Supermarket Injury Claim?

If you wish to file a personal injury claim, you will need to file within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. Generally, in the state of New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. This means that if you fail to file within two years of your accident, you will likely lose your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve.

Compensation Available After a Supermarket Accident in New Jersey

In the event you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a North Jersey supermarket or grocery store, you may incur damages as a result of your injuries. However, depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation.

Common Types of Recoverable Damages

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

How to Protect Your Rights After a North Jersey Grocery Store Injury

The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of an accident in New Jersey can have significant impacts on the outcome of your claim.

Best Practices After an Accident

• Adhere to all medical advice from providers
• Preserve evidence like photos and receipts
• Do not post about your accident on social media
• Contact an experienced personal injury attorney

Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in a supermarket accident, the team at Berliner, Cohen, Accardi & Grossman, LLC is in your best interest. We understand the impact an injury can have physically, financially, emotionally, and mentally. We want to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you.