Practice Areas
Premises
Liability
Property owners in New Jersey have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else's property, you have a right to compensation.
Liability
Property owners must maintain safe conditions and warn of known hazards
Statute
2 years from date of injury to file a premises liability claim in NJ
Fee
No fee unless we win — zero financial risk to you
Damages
Medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability
New Jersey law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions and protect visitors from foreseeable harm. The level of care owed depends on your status as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
New Jersey premises liability law is governed by common law principles rather than a single statute, but cases are decided under established legal standards found in N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 and related tort law. Property owners owe different levels of care depending on the visitor's legal status: the highest duty to business invitees (customers, clients), a moderate duty to social guests (licensees), and a limited duty even to trespassers in certain circumstances. The key test is whether the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to remedy it or provide adequate warning.
Compensation in premises liability cases typically covers all medical expenses including emergency treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical care. Victims can also recover lost wages during recovery and diminished earning capacity if permanently disabled. Pain and suffering damages account for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. In cases involving permanent injury such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or amputation, compensation can include lifetime care costs, home modifications, and assistive equipment.
The biggest challenge in premises liability cases is proving the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition. Insurance companies will argue that hazards were "open and obvious" or that the victim was comparatively negligent. Weather-related conditions like ice and snow present special challenges under New Jersey's weather-related immunity doctrine. Time is critical — evidence like surveillance footage may be destroyed, and witnesses' memories fade. Having an attorney investigate immediately helps preserve crucial evidence and prevents insurance companies from taking advantage of unrepresented victims.
The Law
What you
need to know
01
Slip and Fall
Wet floors, spilled liquids, or uneven surfaces cause falls in stores, restaurants, or office buildings. Property owners must maintain safe walking surfaces and provide warnings.
02
Snow and Ice
Icy parking lots, unsalted walkways, or accumulated snow create hazardous conditions. Commercial property owners have a duty to clear ice and snow within a reasonable time.
03
Inadequate Security
Assaults in parking garages, apartment complexes, or businesses with poor lighting or broken locks. Property owners may be liable for foreseeable criminal acts.
04
Defective Stairs
Broken handrails, uneven steps, or poor lighting on stairways cause serious falls. Building owners must maintain stairs in safe condition and ensure proper lighting.
05
Swimming Pool Accidents
Drownings or injuries at residential or commercial pools due to inadequate fencing, supervision, or safety equipment. Pool owners have heightened duties to prevent accidents.
06
Falling Objects
Items falling from shelves, construction sites, or building facades injure pedestrians or customers. Property owners must secure objects that could fall and cause harm.
Cases we handle
Common scenarios
What to expect
How the
process works
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Get medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor — some conditions worsen over time. Document all treatment and keep detailed records. Medical documentation forms the foundation of your premises liability claim.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Take photos of the hazardous condition, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Get contact information from witnesses and the property owner or manager. Report the incident to the property owner in writing if possible.
Contact Us Before Insurance Companies
Property owners' insurance companies will contact you quickly to minimize their exposure. Do not give recorded statements or sign documents before consulting with an attorney — early statements can severely damage your claim.
Investigation and Case Building
We investigate the scene, gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and consult with experts if needed. We also collect all medical records and document your full damages including lost wages and pain and suffering.
Settlement Negotiation or Trial
Most premises liability cases settle through negotiation with the insurance company. If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we file suit and take your case to trial. We prepare every case thoroughly regardless of whether it settles or goes to court.
Questions
Frequently
asked
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You must prove the property owner owed you a duty of care, breached that duty by allowing a dangerous condition to exist, and that this breach caused your injuries. The key is showing the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it or warn visitors.
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Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. However, if the property is government-owned, you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. Acting quickly is always better for preserving evidence.
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New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault, you'd receive 80% of the total damages.
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Not necessarily. While property owners may argue a hazard was "open and obvious," this doesn't automatically bar recovery in New Jersey. The court will consider whether a reasonable person would have encountered the danger despite its visibility, and property owners still have duties to maintain safe conditions.
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You can recover medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In severe cases involving permanent disability, compensation may include lifetime care costs, home modifications, and assistive equipment. Each case depends on the specific injuries and their impact on your life.
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Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free, and there's no financial risk in calling us to discuss your case.
Free Consultation
Injured onsomeone's property?
Tell us what happened. We'll give you an honest assessment - no pressure, no obligation, and no fee unless we recover for you. We're available by phone or at our offices, and we're happy to meet you wherever is most convenient.
Call Us Directly
(973) 401-0064