Ligament Injuries in a New Jersey Slip and Fall Accident

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Attorneys Representing Victims of Torn Ligaments Caused by Trip and Falls

Anyone who’s had a torn ligament knows how painful and life altering such an injury can be. Depending on what part of the body is injured, a torn ligament can make even regular daily activities like climbing stairs or carrying groceries difficult. Torn ligaments often are the result of sports injuries and repetitive movement activities, but they can also result from slip and fall accidents. If you or a family member has torn a ligament in an accident, you need to contact an experienced NJ fall accident attorney.

Slip and Fall Infographic

Torn ligaments require surgery and extensive physical therapy to recover from. If your injury was caused by a negligent party, you can pursue compensation for your losses. Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. has represented New Jersey slip and fall accident victims for over 25 years.

Call us at (609) 240-0040 for a free, comprehensive case evaluation.

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Ligament Injuries in a Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident

Your knee has four ligaments that often get injured in slip and fall accidents. The ACL, which connects the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone), is the most frequently injured in slip and falls. A torn ligament can leave you with serious mobility issues. Here are the four most common ligament injuries that happen in a slip and fall:

  • ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury: The ACL connects the femur and tibia. ACL injuries happen when you change direction very fast and your knee isn’t ready for the movement. Twisting in a fall can easily tear an ACL.
  • MCL (medial cruciate ligament) injury: The MCL helps stabilize the knee joint. MCL injuries are usually caused to getting hit on the knee. A slip and fall where you land on a concrete floor can easily cause this injury.
  • PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) injury: The PCL controls backward bending of the knee. PCL injuries happen when you hit the front of the knee. These injuries can happen in slip and falls where your kneecap hits something hard.
  • Cartilage tear: The cartilage around the knee is call the meniscus. A torn cartilege injury can happen in slip and falls where the knee gets twisted.

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Premises Liability in New Jersey

Premises liability is a legal term meaning that a property owner has a duty to make sure their property is reasonably safe and free of dangerous conditions. Failure to perform regular inspections and maintenance of a property is considered negligence.

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What Kind of Damages Can Be Claimed in New Jersey?

Torn ligaments are painful injuries that require surgeries and significant recovery periods. Any losses your injury causes you can be claimed as damages against the negligent parties involved. These may include:

  • Current medical bills
  • Future medical bills (such as surgeries, etc)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Costs of physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages (you could conceivably miss quite a bit of work following a torn ligament injury)
  • Emotional duress
  • Mental therapy (depression is common among injury victims)
  • Household and vehicle modifications (such as wheelchair lifts and ramps)
  • Anyone you need to hire while you recover (such as an in home nurse, or someone to mow your lawn)
  • Permanent injury or disability
  • Loss of occupation or earning capacity

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Who Can Be Held Liable in a Slip and Fall Injury?

Basically, any party that contributed to your injury. This could be a homeowner; store owner; corporation; a person or company working on a property, or assigned to keep it maintained. Other liable parties can be an institution (such as a jail or school), or a government entity (such as a city that didn’t maintain its streets and walkways).

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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Any walkway obstruction or slippery surface can contribute to a slip and fall accident. These contributors often include:

  • Water, oil, or cleaning solutions on a floor
  • Snow, ice, or rain
  • Cleaning implements (mops, brooms, buckets) left in a walkway
  • An unsecured carpet edge
  • Poorly designed or damaged stairways (steps)
  • Damaged or nonexistent bannisters (hand railings)
  • Potholes or damaged sidewalks

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How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Injury Claim in NJ?

In New Jersey, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If you’re not sure if you have a viable premises liability claim, you need to speak to an attorney.

Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. can advise you of all your legal rights and options. Your first consultation is free of charge, you have no obligation to file a claim or use our services following the initial consultation. Our goal is to get you the compensation you deserve.

To schedule your free consultation, call (609) 240-0040 today.

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Additional Information

The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.

Call Our Office At (609) 240-0040 Today for Help