Premises liability means that property owners may be held liable for injuries and damages you suffer on their premises. Past cases such as Rowe v. Mazel Thirty, LLC and others confirm that New Jersey property owners are legally obligated to keep their premises safe, or to rectify dangerous elements within a reasonable time. This legal responsibility applies to private homeowners, businesses, and government agencies.

If you were on someone’s property and were injured in Hackensack, New Jersey, a premises liability lawyer from Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. may be able to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost pay, and other damages.

To learn more about potential compensation and how a Hackensack premises liability lawyer can help you with your case, call (201) 585-9111 today for a free initial consultation with our team.

How You May Recover Damages

If you were hurt on someone’s property and the property owner could have prevented that injury, you may be entitled to compensation.

Our Hackensack premises liability lawyers may be able to evaluate the circumstances of your accident, injury, or illness to determine if certain legal conditions are met, including:

  • The property owner owed you a duty of care to prevent you from harm or to warn you about potential hazards.
  • The property owner breached this duty by permitting you to enter an unsafe premise.
  • This negligence or omission caused you to suffer injuries.
  • You now have damages directly related to your injuries.

Property owners owe you a duty of care if you are allowed or invited into their home, store, or land. If you are injured while on their premises because of negligence, the owners may be held accountable for your economic and non-economic losses.

Your Status as a Visitor Determines the Owner’s Legal Obligations

The law recognizes three categories of individuals for premises liability cases—invitees, licensees, and trespassers.

  • Invitees: You are an invitee when you go to a shopping mall, a bank, a restaurant, a car dealership, and so on. Invitees are people invited or welcomed for the purpose of conducting a mutually beneficial transaction. This type of property visitor is typically afforded the most consideration.
  • Licensees: A licensee may be on another person’s property but for his or her own reasons. House guests are an example of licensees. They may be on premises, but not conducting or exchanging goods or services—yet they are still owed a duty of care.
  • Trespassers: Trespassers are people who enter someone’s property without permission or authorization. They have little legal protection and the least amount of legal consideration—however a property owner still cannot intentionally harm someone who is caught trespassing.

Exceptions for Very Young Children

Very young children are usually not considered trespassers. As explained in the Duke Law Journal, many states have a provision called attractive nuisance that applies to children who enter a property because they are drawn by certain features.

These features—typically a swimming pool, play set, or something similar—catch the eye of one who is too young to understand the legal implications of trespassing. Property owners may still have an obligation to prevent children from entering and harming themselves, such as erecting tall fences.

If you are allowed or invited to be on someone’s property and you get hurt, a Hackensack premises liability lawyer can help. Call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. today at (201) 585-9111 for a free consultation.

We Accept Many Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability is a catch-all phrase that includes many different types of accidents and injuries that may happen on someone’s property, such as:

  • Drowning and swimming pool accidents
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Falling objects
  • Workplace accidents
  • Construction or industrial accidents
  • Amusement park accidents
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Burns, shocks, or electrocution
  • Inadequate or negligent security
  • Unlawful arrest or detention
  • Liquor violations
  • Sport and recreational accidents

Our Hackensack premises liability lawyers handle these types of cases for clients, and we understand the burden of proof required to potentially build a strong claim or lawsuit.

Obtaining Evidence to Show Liability

Sometimes, a negligent property owner may step up and take responsibility for an injured visitor. If they do not, the team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. may investigate the cause and circumstances of the accident.

This investigation can include finding evidence such as:

  • Photos or videos of the hazard that caused the accident or the accident scene
  • Eyewitnesses
  • Police or accident reports
  • Photos, medical tests, and medical notes about your injuries
  • Relevant laws such as building codes to determine if the owner violated statutes

We may be able to file a claim against the property owner’s insurance. If we cannot negotiate an acceptable settlement, we may take your case to court. It is important to note that the state of New Jersey imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits (N.J.S.2A:14-1), so do not delay in contacting a Hackensack premises liability lawyer to discuss your options.

Damages You May Recover in a Premises Liability Case

Injuries in a premises liability case range from sprains and bruises to catastrophic injuries. There are several factors that can affect the kind of damages you might be entitled to:

  • The extent of your injuries
  • How long it might take you to recuperate
  • Your doctor’s prognosis and whether you could have long-term health issues as a result of your injuries

Our team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. has successfully resolved many premises liability cases. Some of the damages previously awarded to our clients include:

  • Medical expenses including ambulance, surgery, hospitalization, specialists, prescriptions, medical devices, and follow-up care
  • Lost pay while you are recovering
  • Reduced earning capacity, if applicable
  • Lifecare or domestic expenses
  • Property damage
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Diminished quality and enjoyment of life

Our Hackensack premises liability lawyers work to recover compensation on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay any upfront fees and we would not get paid unless you do.

Client Success Story
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We hired Chris DiGirolamo as our attorney after Mike suffered a life changing injury at work. From the time we met Chris we felt we can trust him to work in the best interest for Mike’s needs. Chris is very down to earth and we felt comfortable whenever we met with him. He spoke to us so we always understood what was going on. He never threw around legal jargon that we would not be able to understand. He was always willing to ensure we knew exactly how our case was proceeding. Chris showed humanity in dealing with Mike’s Injuries and understanding of Mike’s unwillingness to accept some of the changes in his life.

Chris’s high level of energy and desire to bring a case to the best possible results were evident from day one. Our case was settled but of court with the help of a mediator and Chris was by our side explaining what was going on every step of the way. His preparation throughout the case was evident as he spoke before the mediator. It was a pleasure to watch. Chris at work and know he was working for us. He is tough and stubborn when necessary. We were also impressed by the respect shown to Chris by the retired judge we worked with as well as other lawyers. Chris was only happy with this case when he knew we had a settlement that we were very impressed with.

- Michael and Donna Secol

Client Success Story
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I want to express my deepest appreciation to the firm “MAGGIANO, DiIGIROLAMO
& LIZZI P.C. and to Cristopher DiGirolamo, in particular, for professionally and timely manner. The most important result for me is the successful completion of the case.

I also wish to express my thanks to the paralegal Nirelly Echanique and to Katty, the nice lady at the front desk.
Without any hesitation, I would recommend your firm to others.
Many thanks for your fruitful work.

- Eduard Arapov

Client Success Story
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Joseph Maggiano is an excellent person to seek when you have any type of legal issue. He is attentive, knowledgeable and takes his time to explain the process. He is such a nice and pleasant person to deal with. I highly recommend him and his law office for your legal advice!

- Burak Karaman

Contact a Hackensack Premises Liability Lawyer Today

You should not have to suffer twice due to a reckless or negligent property owner. You should consider hiring a legal advocate to help you recover the compensation you may be entitled to. A member of our team can talk with you by phone or at your home, the hospital, or our office. For a free consultation, call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. today at (201) 585-9111.