Slip and fall accidents are among the most frequent personal injury claims in New Jersey, often occurring in everyday locations where hazards are easy to overlook. Under New Jersey premises liability law, property owners and managers must maintain safe conditions and correct known dangers within a reasonable time. When they fail to do so, victims may have the right to recover compensation. Below are the most common places where slip and fall accidents occur across the state.
1. Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
Spills, leaking refrigeration units, dropped produce, and recently mopped floors make grocery stores a major source of slip and fall cases. These hazards can appear suddenly, and staff must inspect aisles regularly. When cleanup procedures are lacking or warning signs are missing, customers can suffer serious injuries.
2. Parking Lots and Garages
Uneven pavement, potholes, broken curbs, and winter ice often lead to accidents in New Jersey parking areas. Because these spaces are exposed to harsh weather, property owners must perform routine maintenance and snow/ice removal. Poor lighting can further increase the risk by making hazards difficult to see.
3. Apartment Buildings and Condominiums
Tenants and visitors frequently encounter dangers in building lobbies, stairwells, and hallways. Wet floors from cleaning crews, loose carpeting, damaged tiles, or poorly maintained handrails all contribute to falls. Landlords and management companies have a duty to monitor common areas and respond promptly to reported hazards.
4. Sidewalks and Walkways
Slip and fall accidents are common on sidewalks outside businesses, residential properties, and public buildings. Cracked concrete, snow and ice, or vegetation overgrowth can create unsafe conditions. In New Jersey, responsibility for sidewalk maintenance often depends on whether the property is commercial or residential, which can affect liability.
5. Restaurants and Cafés
High foot traffic and frequent food and drink spills make restaurants particularly risky. Grease buildup near kitchen entrances, dropped dishes, or unattended spills can all lead to injuries. Owners must ensure that floors remain safe and that hazards are quickly addressed.
6. Retail Stores and Shopping Centers
Cluttered aisles, loose clothing racks, damaged flooring, and inadequate lighting can cause unexpected falls. Large shopping centers must also maintain escalators, elevators, and common walkways. Regular inspections are crucial to keeping customers safe.
7. Hotels and Short-Term Rentals
Slip and fall risks in hotels and Airbnbs often arise in lobbies, bathrooms, stairwells, and outdoor walkways. Wet bathroom tiles, uneven flooring transitions, or poorly maintained exterior steps can cause dangerous accidents. Operators must inspect rooms and common spaces to prevent hazards that could harm guests.
What to Do If You Were Injured in a Slip and Fall in New Jersey
If you suffer a slip and fall injury, seek medical attention immediately and report the accident to the property owner or manager. Document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and preserve any evidence of unsafe conditions. Speaking with a New Jersey personal injury attorney can help you understand whether the property owner’s negligence played a role and what compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but they are often preventable. Knowing where these incidents occur most frequently can help victims protect their rights and take the appropriate legal steps after an injury.