As we approach the holiday season, celebrations where alcoholic drinks are served will become more commonplace all the way through New Year’s. Some of these gatherings will occur in bars and restaurants where intoxicating beverages are served year-round. In other cases, parties will take place at homes and offices. No matter where libations are flowing, carelessness from the individuals and organizations with control over the premises can result in a serious slip and fall accident.
Some of the most common hazards that give rise to injuries while people are drinking include the following:
- Spills and slick surfaces — Liquid that spills from a glass, bottle or can creates an immediate hazard on the floor. Walking surfaces can also become dangerous when snow is tracked in from the outside or when ice wells leak.
- Dim lighting and visual effects — Low lighting is a staple of many bars and lounges. During holiday festivities, strobes, fog machines and colored lights are frequently utilized to make the event seem more special. In this environment, seeing a small puddle or ice cube on the ground might be very difficult.
- Crowds and decorations — Whether in a restaurant, catering hall, office or home, parties in the last couple months of the year often attract big crowds. Sometimes, more people are packed into an area than is safe. Decorations that are brought out for the season could also be a tripping hazard.
Should you bring a slip and fall claim for an incident that occurred while alcoholic beverages were being dispensed, there’s a strong chance that the defendant will allege that you were responsible for your own injury. However, even if you had a drink or two, New Jersey law allows plaintiffs to recover damages even if they bear some fault for what happen, as long as their share of the liability does not exceed 50 percent. However, any award would be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
if you’re hurt in a fall, notify the property owner or manager immediately and ask that an incident report be completed. Take photos or video of the scene (floor condition, lighting, warning signs), and get contact information for any witnesses who saw what occurred. Contact a premises liability attorney promptly to secure surveillance footage, if any, and preserve evidence.
Seigel Law in Ridgewood represents New Jersey clients in premises liability claims and other personal injury cases. Our firm has collected more than $500 million for victims and their loved ones. For a free consultation, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online.