When you enter a store, park in a parking lot or visit a business, you expect the premises to be hazard-free, well maintained and safe. Businesses have a responsibility to keep their premises safe and inform clients of any existing dangers, but they do not always do so. Dangerous conditions can occur from wet floors, stray objects, unsteady mannequins, poorly shoveled parking lots or walkways, improper lighting and other hazards.

Tell someone immediately

If you fall while you are on business property, report the incident. Alerting a manager ensures that the business knows the accident occurred, especially if there were no witnesses. Larger stores usually have loss prevention staff that will offer assistance and write down accident details.

Take note of your surroundings

Before leaving the scene, observe the accident site. Notice the time the accident occurred, the activity in the store, what you were doing and whether there are any conditions that may have caused your accident. Write down the details. If you bring a claim, you will want to refresh your memory about what happened. Take a picture of the area. Even a clean floor may have a waxy sheen that could have caused you to slip. Obtain the names, contact information and statements from any witnesses.

Get checked out

Get a physical examination immediately. Sometimes aches and pains can surface hours or days after your fall. They can affect your capability to work or perform daily activities.

Call a trusted NJ personal injury lawyer

Contact a seasoned attorney who specializes in handling slip and fall accidents near Ocean and Monmouth counties. Our Red Bank injury attorneys have experience evaluating injuries, preparing testimony, trying cases, negotiating settlements and obtaining compensation. However, New Jersey requires that you bring your claim within two years or you will lose your legal rights. Contact the Law Offices of Robert Olkowitz, so our attorneys can aggressively protect and represent your interests.