Everyday moments can change lives in an instant.
Everyday activities can lead to injuries when you least expect them. Knowing the common ways people get hurt in Shrewsbury, NJ, can help you understand the risks around you. Car crashes, slips and falls, and accidents at work are some of the top causes of personal injury in this area.
In Shrewsbury, many accidents happen because of things like distracted driving, unsafe sidewalks, or risky work conditions. Paying attention and being aware of these hazards can help prevent injuries and keep people safe.
Quick Summary:
- Everyday activities can unexpectedly lead to injuries, especially through car accidents, slip and falls, or workplace accidents. Common causes include distracted driving, poor property maintenance, and risky work environments. Medical malpractice and dog bites are also significant concerns, with injuries ranging from physical trauma to emotional distress. Staying aware of these risks can help reduce personal injury incidents.
- In New Jersey, if you’re hurt due to someone else’s carelessness, you may have the right to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. The state follows a “comparative negligence” rule, so even if partially at fault, you can still recover damages if less than 50% responsible. The statute of limitations allows two years to file a claim, and workers injured on the job can benefit from workers’ compensation, covering medical bills, temporary and permanent disability, and death benefits for families of deceased workers.
- After an injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention, document the incident, and report it to the relevant parties. Consulting a personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and avoid issues with insurance adjusters.
What is Personal Injury?
Personal injury can be a result of someone else’s carelessness or for some wrongdoing. This means you are getting physically or emotionally hurt. This can happen in situations like car accidents, slipping and falling, or using a faulty product.
Your Right to Compensation
If you get hurt because of someone else’s carelessness in New Jersey, you have the right to ask for money to cover things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The state uses a “comparative negligence” rule, which means that even if you were partly to blame, you can still get some money as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault. Just remember, you have two years from the time of the injury to file a claim.
What are the Top Causes of Personal Injury in Shrewsbury, NJ?
While accidents can occur at any moment, some occur more often than others in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. By being aware of these prevalent causes, you can prevent injuries and stay safe.
Car Accidents
One of the main causes of personal injury in Shrewsbury is car accidents. These occurrences are caused by a variety of causes that increase everyone’s risk of injury on the roads.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, calling, eating, or even tinkering with the radio can cause a driver to lose concentration. Although these distractions only last a few seconds, they have the potential to cause major collisions if they cause the driver to lose focus on the road.
- Speeding: Driving too fast impairs a driver’s reaction to potential dangers on the road. For example, if a car in front of you brakes abruptly or a pedestrian enters the crosswalk, a speeding motorist may find it difficult to stop in time.
- Driving While Intoxicated: Drugs and alcohol impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Driving under the influence increases the likelihood of accidents and endangers everyone on the road, including other drivers, pedestrians, and passengers.
Slip and Fall Incidents
Another frequent reason for personal injuries in Shrewsbury is slip and fall events. These kinds of incidents happen regularly, usually as a result of managers or property owners failing to take the required precautions to keep their buildings secure. For this reason, accidents of this nature are covered by the legal doctrine known as premises liability. Failure to do so could result in managers or property owners being held liable for accidents that happen on their grounds.
The most frequent slip and fall incidents are listed below.
- Wet Floors: There should be obvious warning indicators for spills or freshly washed floors. If they don’t, guests can trip and fall, resulting in injury.
- Uneven Surfaces: Common dangers include broken steps, cracked walkways, and uneven flooring. Property owners may be liable for any injuries that come from failing to mark or repair these places.
- Bad Lighting: In dimly lit areas, such as parking lots, stairwells, or building entrances, it can be difficult to spot possible dangers. A property owner may be held accountable for mishaps if they fail to provide sufficient lighting.
Visitors run the danger of suffering severe injuries including fractures or brain trauma when property owners fail to uphold their responsibility to maintain their facilities secure.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when patients are harmed as a result of healthcare practitioners’ failure to uphold recognized standards of care.
- Misdiagnosis: Physicians occasionally identify a patient’s condition incorrectly. With this, patients may not receive the right treatment in a timely manner due to a delayed or inaccurate diagnosis, which could make their illness worse.
- Surgical Errors: Because surgery is complex, mistakes might occur. Serious complications could result from a surgeon making a mistake during the treatment, operating on the incorrect region, or leaving an instrument within the body.
Patients who suffer injuries as a result of medical malpractice may seek damages. This covers medical expenses, missed income, and additional losses such as psychological distress brought on by chronic pain or a worsening of the ailment.
Dog Bites
Serious injuries include deep wounds, infections, and psychological anguish can result from dog bites. Pet owners in New Jersey may be held legally accountable for their dog’s behavior, which includes being held accountable if the dog assaults someone (N.J. Stat. § 4:19-16.).
- Physical injuries from dog bites can range from little scratches to serious cuts or puncture wounds that might need immediate surgery.
- Emotional Trauma: Dog bites can affect a person’s quality of life by causing long-lasting psychological impacts like anxiety around pets, or a fear of dogs.
The law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost income, and emotional distress caused by the attack.
Workplace Accidents
Injuries at work are frequent, especially in physically demanding industries like manufacturing, warehousing, and construction. Typical kinds include:
- Falls: These can be caused by slipping on a damp floor or by heights, such as scaffolding. One of the main reasons for occupational injuries is falls.
- Repetitive strain injuries: Jobs involving repetitive motion, like typing or lifting, can cause joint pain or carpal tunnel syndrome, which can get worse if left untreated.
- Accidents involving heavy machinery: If safety precautions aren’t taken, heavy machinery can be hazardous. Inadequate protections or malfunctioning equipment can also result in accidents.
The majority of people who have injuries at work are covered by workers’ compensation. This program offers financial assistance for missed wages and medical expenses. Workers can recover without facing financial hardship thanks to this assistance.
Product Liability
Product liability is the legal obligation placed on producers and retailers to compensate for harm brought on by dangerous or faulty goods. Customers are entitled to assume that the goods they purchase are safe to use. The manufacturer or seller may be responsible for damage if a product malfunctions or has a design flaw and causes injury.
Typical instances of faulty items include malfunctioning gadgets, which might provide dangers like fire or electric shock. Dangerous toys that might easily break and hurt kids, and broken automobiles that may cause collisions.
In order to hold businesses responsible for guaranteeing the safety of their products, victims of product-related accidents may be able to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
What Happens After I Get an Injury?
Experiencing an injury can be overwhelming, but taking certain steps immediately afterward can help protect your health, rights, and potential compensation. Here’s what to do after sustaining an injury:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt medical care not only ensures you’re treated but also creates a record of your injuries, which can be important if you file a claim.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep records of all medical treatments, receipts, and any other expenses related to your injury. These records are valuable evidence for proving your claim.
- Report the Incident: If your injury occurred at work or in a place of business, report it to the responsible party, such as a supervisor or property manager. This documentation supports your case and is often required for certain claims, like workers’ compensation.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: Dealing with a personal injury claim can be complicated. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and increase your chances of fair compensation.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies may contact you for statements, but it’s best not to discuss your case with them without legal guidance. An attorney can help ensure your statements don’t accidentally harm your claim.
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to all medical recommendations and attend follow-up appointments. This not only aids in your recovery but also shows that you are committed to managing your injury, strengthening your case.
Taking these steps can provide clarity and help you focus on your recovery while preserving your options for fair compensation.
Statute of Limitations in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. This means that if you get hurt, you have two years to file a claim in court to seek compensation for your injuries. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your chance to get any money for the following:
- your medical bills,
- lost wages, or
- other damages.
It’s important to keep track of this timeline so you don’t miss your opportunity for justice.
Injured in Shrewsbury, NJ? Kreizer Law Can Help
Personal injuries can have a devastating impact on your life, both physically and financially. Understanding the top causes of personal injury in Shrewsbury, NJ, is essential for protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.
At Kreizer Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims recover the maximum compensation possible. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to fighting for your rights.
We also offer legal assistance in related practice areas, such as car accidents, truck accidents, dog bite cases, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and even nursing home abuse.
Don’t let the complexities of personal injury law overwhelm you. Contact Kreizer Law today for a free consultation. Our attorneys will evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
