The Experience You Need After You Get Hurt While Out And About

When we get hurt because someone was negligent – perhaps they left a pallet out in an aisle, or did not de-ice their stairs, or failed to clean up a spill and we slip – we need experienced guidance on what to do next.

At Cockerill, Craig & Moore, LLC, each of the attorneys on our team has decades of experience. These characteristics, combined with our robust passion for seeking justice for our clients after an injury, reflect our focus on serving you.

We Take Most Cases

Our team is ready to handle more unusual premises liability claims, such as amusement park accidents or deck failures. In these accidents, equipment may fail, proper maintenance may not have been done, or an inspection may have been missed.

Representing Clients Of All Ages

We represent clients of all ages – from infants to teens to elderly seniors. No matter what the issue, we have the focused insurance experience and knowledge required to take these cases on. If you are housebound, we can come to you for consultations. As attorneys with extensive experience in a broad range of personal injury claims, we handle cases such as:

• Snow tubing, skiing, chair lift and other accidents at ski resorts
• Shopping mall and checkout lane injuries that happen to minors
• Injuries including burns to children that happen at vacation rentals

We have also successfully represented clients who have slipped in retail stores, fallen on icy stairs, tripped on a curb or defective drain, or tumbled over items let in a store aisle, fallen through unsafe stairs and decks, been injured by a defective product or bitten by a dog. While settlement is always a considered option, as trial attorneys we prepare each case to be fully ready for trial.

Going The Extra Mile Whenever Necessary

From car accidents to slip-and-fall accidents to dog bites, we produce a full analysis of every case. To ensure that we create the strongest case possible on your behalf, whenever warranted, we employ medical professionals, engineers and accident reconstruction specialists. In many cases outside experts provide the necessary insights and authority to build a thorough case.

We know that every injury, every circumstance and every case is different. When you are injured it is not just “a case” to you – it’s your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip-And-Fall Injury Cases

Most of our clients across South Jersey often have several questions about their premises liability claims. Below are answers to some of the questions.

Do I have a case if the property owner says they did not know about the hazard?

Yes, you may still have a valid case. Under New Jersey law, property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions on their property. The law recognizes constructive notice, a legal presumption that the property owner should have known about the danger on their premises.

Our personal injury lawyer can help determine whether:

• The hazard existed long enough that the property owner should have discovered it.
• The hazard is a recurring problem in the premises.
• The owner failed to conduct routine inspections.
• There are prior complaints about the same hazard.

We can help find evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records and witness statements to file a strong claim.

I fell on the ice at my apartment building. Who is responsible for snow and ice removal in New Jersey (owner, tenant or contractor)?

New Jersey law requires apartment owners to take reasonable steps to remove snow and ice after a storm ends. So, the landlord is responsible for maintaining common areas, such as parking lots and walkways. That can be done by their snow removal contractor or an independent operator.

On the other hand, as a tenant, you may be responsible for the area you exclusively control. Generally, the liability may depend on:

• The terms of the lease.
• The amount of time that passed after the storm.

Our premises liability lawyer can help determine liability through careful review of the contract and maintenance practices.

What should I do after a slip/trip and fall in New Jersey?

Follow these steps immediately after a fall because they can significantly affect your legal claim:

• Take photos or videos of what caused the fall, the surrounding conditions and the injuries.
• Get the witness’s name and contact information.
• Notify the property owner or the management right away.
• Even if you believe your injuries are minor, visit the hospital for examination because you may not notice internal injuries immediately. A medical record is also a critical piece of evidence.
• Keep the broken items and the clothing you were wearing at the time of the fall.

Even if you have not followed all these steps, contact an experienced premises liability lawyer. Our attorney can help protect your rights, preserve the evidence and negotiate with the insurers for better compensation.

Work With The Team Who Will Pursue Your Interests