Icy Slip & Fall Plaintiff Awarded $2.25 Million For Back Injury

Teresa Carr, a 43-year-old resident of New Brunswick, secured a $2.25 million settlement after a two-day arbitration hearing for injuries sustained from a slip and fall on ice at her workplace, Monarch Electric Co. in Cranbury. The incident occurred on March 8, 2018, as Carr was entering the premises, leading to significant back injuries and necessitating lumbar spine decompression surgery. Carr’s New Brunswick, NJ, personal injury lawyer argued her case in Middlesex County Superior Court. The settlement was praised as a result of dedicated work and a testament to their commitment to Carr.

The slip and fall were attributed to inadequate snow removal, a responsibility outlined in the lease agreement between Monarch Electric Co. and the landlord, 1250 So. River Rd. The landlord had delegated this task to Custom Care, which failed to perform it. Consequently, Carr held Monarch, 1250 So. River Rd., and Custom Care accountable for the unsafe conditions that led to her fall.

Defense medical experts argued that Carr’s injuries were preexisting and not directly caused by the fall. However, Carr maintained that the fall was the primary cause of her injuries. Retired Judge Thomas Miller presided over the binding arbitration, which resulted in the $2.25 million award on January 12.

Carr’s case was unique because her workers’ compensation claim was denied, as she was injured on her way to work and not during the course of her employment. This denial also meant her employer did not have immunity under the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act.

How Can A New Brunswick Personal Injury Lawyer Help You?

Although not all slip-and-fall cases net a million-dollar verdict, the chances of a higher settlement or jury award increase substantially with the help of an experienced New Brunswick personal injury lawyer.

How can one of our attorneys help you?

• Case Evaluation and Evidence Gathering: The lawyer begins by thoroughly evaluating the plaintiff’s case, assessing the extent of injuries, gathering medical records, and collecting evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. This comprehensive preparation strengthens the plaintiff’s position during negotiations.
• Valuing the Claim: A personal injury lawyer accurately estimates the value of the claim by considering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs. This ensures the plaintiff seeks an appropriate settlement amount that reflects the true extent of their damages.
• Handling Communications: Lawyers manage all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel. This prevents the plaintiff from making statements that could be used against them and ensures that all interactions are handled professionally and strategically.
• Negotiation Strategy: Experienced lawyers use their negotiation skills to advocate for the plaintiff’s best interests. They know the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts and can counter these effectively. Lawyers also bring knowledge of similar case outcomes, which helps in setting realistic and fair expectations.
• Demand Letters and Settlement Discussions: The lawyer drafts and sends a demand letter to the insurance company outlining the claim’s details and the compensation sought. They then engage in settlement discussions, presenting a strong case for why the plaintiff deserves the requested amount.
• Mediation and Arbitration: If initial negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, the lawyer can represent the plaintiff in mediation or arbitration. These alternative dispute resolution methods can often lead to favorable outcomes without the need for a lengthy trial.

Skilled New Brunswick Personal Injury Lawyers Helping You Secure The Maximum Settlement

The personal injury attorneys at the Blinder Law are trained negotiators with a long history of high settlements for our clients. We bring decades of combined experience and compassionate representation to bear on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.