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Whether filing an insurance claim or taking legal action against property owners, there are many considerations that victims must make. This includes determining how much compensation to seek based on their pain and suffering, lost income, and medical bills.
A lawyer experienced in pursuing compensation from property owners can help victims recover what they deserve. However, many attorneys out there claim to be able to handle slip-and-fall cases.
Experience
Slip and fall accidents occur regularly and are responsible for serious injuries. When you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property, it may be vital for you to find an experienced personal injury lawyer near you who is capable of helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer to handle a slip and fall lawsuit can help you recover compensation for losses. They will also work to get you the total damages that state law entitles you to.
Your attorney will also assist you in proving liability for your accident on the property owner’s part. This involves thoroughly investigating the scene, reviewing relevant laws, and determining whether any laws were violated. For example, a commercial property owner could be liable for your injury if they were negligent in maintaining the premises and didn’t warn you of dangerous conditions on their property.
Reputation
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, the lawyer you choose will help you fight for your rights against insurance companies. These companies are not your friends and can often find ways to avoid liability, put the blame on you, or minimize or deny your compensation.
Your attorney will work to prove that the property owner was negligent in creating, maintaining, or warning you of a dangerous situation on their property that caused your injuries. This will be true whether they are a commercial property owner or homeowner.
Consider asking for referrals from people in your network who have hired personal injury lawyers. They can provide valuable insight into their experience and philosophies on practicing law. Also, when you meet with a potential slip-and-fall lawyer, evaluate their customer service skills. Did they give you their undivided attention during the meeting? If not, this is a bad sign. The attorney should be able to answer your questions and address all your concerns.
Fees
While some injury claims don’t require a lawyer’s help, most slip-and-fall cases do. This is mainly because fault for these accidents isn’t always apparent, and property owners (and their insurance companies) aren’t in the business of taking responsibility.
In addition, the law has specific requirements for filing claims and “shared fault” rules that can reduce damages if a jury finds you partially responsible for the accident. An experienced slip-and-fall lawyer knows these laws inside and out and can guide you through the process.
It’s also important to note that most slip-and-fall lawyers don’t charge by the hour; instead, they work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they will only get paid if you win your case and receive compensation, so they are as invested in the outcome of your case as you are. They will ensure you understand how they charge before they start working on your case.
Communication
Falling and sustaining injuries cause significant financial setbacks like medical bills and loss of income. A slip-and-fall lawyer can help you get compensation for the losses you have suffered. However, it is essential to collect sufficient evidence to support your claim.
This includes accident scene photographs, incident reports, CCTV footage, eye-witness testimony, and the like. These will help your attorney build a strong case and get maximum compensation.
A good slip-and-fall lawyer will know the laws that apply to your case. For example, you must file a lawsuit within three years of your injury. In addition, New York law has specific rules about the shared fault in slip and fall cases. This means that the property owner could argue that you bear some responsibility for your injury, which would reduce the amount of any court award you receive.
