Laundry mat accidents can cause serious injury, especially if you slip and fall, strike your head, break a bone, or land on something. When that happens, you have the right to pursue a claim for any damages you have. The question is, though, who pays that claim?
In most situations, the person responsible for your injury and losses is the party that caused the dangerous situation or failed to maintain the property’s safety. In these situations, there are a few key elements that play a role in the fault. Here are some details you need to know about holding others accountable following a New Jersey laundry mat slip and fall accident. Speak with a New Jersey premises liability accident lawyer today.
Factors That Play a Role in Who Is At Fault
A number of factors determine fault in an accident like this. Typically, owners of property owe anyone using that property a duty of care, meaning they must ensure that their property is hazard-free. When that does not happen, and someone suffers an injury, the owner is at fault. Consider the following situations that may alter that premise.
The Owner’s Duty of Care
As noted, the most common situation is that the owner of unsafe property holds responsibility for the injuries and losses. They failed to keep the laundry mat safe for those who were using it. They opened the business’s doors for service. That is one of the core factors in establishing fault. They have a legal duty to keep the laundry mat safe for customers who visit it.
For this to apply, consider the following:
- The owner opened the business, therefore encouraging others to visit and enter the property.
- A hazardous condition exists, such as a broken machine, a wet floor, or improper maintenance.
- The other had knowledge of the risk, or should have known or anticipated that the hazard would be there.
- The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix the hazard or warn others about it.
If this occurred, you can file a claim against the owner’s commercial liability insurance. That holds them accountable for your losses.
Equipment Manufacturers
In some situations, your incident may be the direct result of an equipment malfunction. For example, if a piece of equipment has a defect that was not known, and that is what causes your injury, the equipment manufacturer could be liable. This is a bit more challenging to prove.
In this case, you must show that the equipment’s manufacturing or design caused you to suffer the fall. There must be evidence that links your injury to that failure.
The Property Manager
In some situations, the property manager could hold some liability for your injuries and losses. If you were hurt at a laundry mat in your rented building, for example, and the property manager knew of the risks but failed to take action, they could be held accountable for the losses you sustained. This could also include the property owner having some responsibility for the lack of repair to the building.
Municipalities
In some situations, the laundry mat may be the responsibility of the city to maintain. If it is a city-owned service, then the city must ensure it is safe for anyone who is using it. If the city knows of a risk and fails to act on it, that can lead to legal claims. Premises liability law on public property is more complex and typically benefits from working with an attorney to establish fault and file a claim soon enough.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall at a Laundry Mat
If you fall and suffer injuries at a laundry mat, take action to preserve evidence and protect your rights to file a claim. To do that, start by calling 911 for medical care if needed and then take photos of the surrounding area and the cause of the accident. This might be, for example, a leaking washing machine or debris on the walkway. Document your injuries, then get medical care right away.
This information, including any type of witness statement, can help you hold others accountable. It helps establish your right to fair compensation and ensures that you can clearly demonstrate that someone failed to keep you safe.
Your Premises Liability Attorney in New Jersey Can Help You
Turn to Kwartler Manus now for a free consultation and let us take a look at the details of your case. We will work to understand:
- Who caused the mistake to occur
- Was the slippery floor expected and not maintained
- Is it possible that a third party had something to do with the incident
We look at all factors and then seek a fair claim for your losses.
Schedule a Free Consultation Now
Our team at Kwartler Manus has years of experience holding those who cause injuries accountable. That includes situations involving slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey laundry mats. Contact our New Jersey premises liability accident attorney now for a free consultation to discuss your options.