Accidents involving slips and falls can occur in an instant. However, their consequences can last for a long time, resulting in significant medical costs, lost wages and emotional distress. It can be difficult to determine fault and pursue compensation when the accident happened in a public place, a grocery shop, an office or a public space. A slip and fall lawyer can help you navigate the legal system more successfully. This is a breakdown of the reasons why you should hire an attorney to represent your slip and falls injury case.
1. Understanding the Legal Process
A slip and fall lawyer can help you gain a thorough understanding of the legal system. Slip and fall cases are often complicated by state laws, regulations, and deadlines. A slip and falls lawyer has a thorough understanding of personal injury laws and can assist you in understanding the following:
- You may lose your right to compensation if you do not file your claim in the specified time frame.
- The plaintiff is responsible for proving the case in personal injury claims. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove the negligence of the responsible party or property owner that led to your accident.
- Comparative negligence: Compensation is often reduced in some states based on how much fault the injured party has. A lawyer will help you navigate the complex legal system to get a fair settlement.
It is easy to miss important details or make costly errors without legal knowledge. This could compromise your case.
2. Proving Liability
You must show that the property owner, or any other party responsible for the slip and fall accident was negligent in order to win your case. It is necessary to prove that the property owner or other responsible parties knew about or should have been aware of a dangerous condition and did not address it within a reasonable period. Common examples include:
- The absence of warning signs on wet or slippery surfaces.
- Uneven or damaged floor.
- Lack of lighting in hallways and stairwells.
- Obstruction of walkways
A slip and fall lawyer will collect the evidence needed, such as photos of the accident site, security camera footage and witness testimony. They may also gather maintenance records and maintainance records. Your lawyer can improve your chances to prove liability by thoroughly investigating the circumstances.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
In slip and fall cases, insurance companies play an important role. You are entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. Insurance companies will often try to reduce payouts, and offer settlements far below what you are entitled to. An experienced lawyer can be of great help.
- Communication: Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company to ensure that your rights are being protected.
- Settlement Negotiation: Slip and Fall attorneys are experienced negotiators that know how to deal with lowball offers. They will negotiate a settlement which fully compensates you for all your losses including future medical costs and pain and discomfort.
- Documentation: Your attorney can help you gather the documentation needed to support your claim, such as medical records, receipts and proof of lost wages.
You may be pushed into accepting a settlement which does not cover your full damages if you don’t have an attorney advocating on your behalf.
4. Maximizing Compensation
Slip and fall accidents may result in compensation for economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages), as well as non-economic damages, including pain and suffering and emotional distress. It can be difficult to determine the value of a claim without legal expertise. A lawyer will ensure that all factors, such as:
- Medical costs in the future: Slip-and-fall injuries can be long-lasting and require ongoing treatment. An attorney will work with medical professionals in order to determine the full extent of medical needs.
- Your lawyer will include the loss of earnings potential in your compensation claim if your injury prevents you from working, whether temporarily or permanently.
- Slip and fall injuries may cause emotional distress, which can affect your quality of living. Your attorney can help you quantify these noneconomic damages to increase your compensation.
Hiring a slip-and-fall injury lawyer will ensure that all aspects of your case are considered and you receive the maximum amount of compensation.
5. Contingency Fee Basis
A slip and fall attorney will often charge a contingent fee. This is a major advantage. You don’t need to pay for legal fees upfront. Your attorney will instead take a portion of the settlement or award from the court if you win. You won’t be charged legal fees if they lose.
You can pursue justice through this arrangement without having to pay for legal representation yourself. This arrangement also encourages your lawyer to do their best to achieve the best outcome possible for your case.
6. Trial Representation
Many slip and fall claims are settled outside of court. However, in some cases the insurance company or party responsible refuses to settle the case fairly. Your lawyer may suggest that you take your case to court in such cases.
It is important to have an experienced attorney representing you in court if your case proceeds. They will present evidence to a jury or judge, question witnesses and make legal arguments for you. The trial experience of an attorney can have a major impact on the outcome.
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, hiring a lawyer can be incredibly beneficial. An attorney can help you to understand the legal system, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and represent you in court.
Without the proper legal advice, slip and fall cases are complex and you may end up losing your chance of winning. Working with a lawyer can help you protect your rights and strengthen your claim. You will also be able to get the compensation that you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages and emotional pain.
This article was written by Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney at Law.
The St. Petersburg Law Office has been helping injured people for over 20 years. Jeanette Secor, PA . Jeanette Secor, a well-known attorney who is an expert in slip-and fall cases. She has successfully represented clients in motorcycle accidents and car accidents as well as slip-and falls.