The simple answer is no, you do not necessarily need to hire an attorney to handle your slip-and-fall accident case. You can file the paperwork, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent yourself in a lawsuit. However, there are many benefits to having an experienced slip and fall lawyer on your side.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we offer free case evaluations. During your consultation with us, we can explain the steps involved in filing a slip and fall case and the support a lawyer can give throughout the legal process. You can then use this information to decide whether to proceed with or without representation.
There are definitely many benefits to come when you hire us. Complete our online form or call us at 1-866-909-6894 to get started on your case.
Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Every year, many people in New York are injured in slip-and-falls. Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, for any number of reasons.
Leading causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Recently mopped or waxed floors
- Broken or uneven stairs
- Inadequate lighting
- Loose wires or cords
- Missing or broken railings
- Clutter or debris in walkways
- Unsecured mats or rugs
- Crumbling sidewalks or curbs
How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help You Recover Compensation for Damages
If you have suffered a slip and fall injury, you may be entitled to recover damages. However, it can be complicated to try to take on the property owner, insurance company, and the owner’s lawyers all by yourself.
It is usually difficult to prove liability in slip and fall cases, and insurance companies tend to minimize the severity of slip and fall injuries. Nevertheless, a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate your claim and secure a payout on your behalf by overcoming the challenges with know-how and experience.
The following are some steps your slip and fall lawyer will take to build a solid case for you.
Collecting evidence
It may seem obvious to you that the other party is at fault for the accident. Unfortunately, the insurance company may not offer you a fair settlement until they are provided with evidence of negligence. Our personal injury lawyers know what proof insurance companies require in slip-and-fall cases.
Evidence gathered may include:
- Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance footage of the incident
- Copies of the accident report
- Medical records
When you have a lawyer on your side, you do not have to worry about collecting evidence on your own. At Judd Shaw Injury Law, our legal team can identify and collect all evidence that will be beneficial to your case.
Assessing damages
It is difficult to calculate the full value of your slip and fall case on your own. An experienced attorney, though, can assess and calculate your past, present, and future damages.
This may include compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Underestimating the amount of medical care you will require after a slip-and-fall could cause you to demand too little compensation from the person or business that caused your accident. The end result will be that you have to pay for a portion of your medical expenses out of pocket.
Your best chance at having all of your expenses covered is hiring a personal injury lawyer to accurately analyze and estimate your damages. Remember, the long-term costs must be considered, too.
Negotiating a settlement
The other party’s insurance company may contact you when they hear that you are planning on filing a claim or lawsuit. You must be careful, though, when speaking to any insurance adjusters. The agents may take innocent statements you make and use them against you in an attempt to reduce the value of your claim.
When you have a slip and fall lawyer representing you, though, you are protected. He or she will handle all communication with the insurance company for you, including:
- Answering questions
- Relating your side of the story
- Demanding fair compensation
- Negotiating a settlement agreement
Why not let us handle the legal errands while you focus on recovery? The lawyers at Judd Shaw Injury Law are skilled negotiators. We are familiar with the bad faith tactics that insurance companies use to reduce the value of a claim, and we know how to secure top compensation for our clients.
Litigating in civil court
The majority of slip-and-fall accident cases are settled through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached, the next step is to take your case to court. There, your lawyer will present your case before a judge, who will then decide the amount of money you are entitled to receive.
While the idea of your case being taken to court may seem daunting when you have a slip and fall lawyer on your side, he will be with you through every stage of the legal process. Your lawyer will make sure you understand the proceedings and answer any questions you may have.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries After a Slip-and-Fall?
In most slip and fall cases, it is the property owner who is found negligent. Property owners have an obligation to keep their premises safe for all guests and visitors. Failure to do so can result in the owner being held liable for your injuries.
If you are visiting a property for business purposes, the owner has a duty to regularly inspect the premises and fix any potential slip and fall hazards. If you are visiting a private residence, such as a friend’s home, he or she does not need to inspect the property on a regular basis. However, if your friend knows of a dangerous condition on the property, he or she has a duty to warn you about it.
In addition to the property owner, you may be able to hold landlords, other residents, government agencies, or other parties liable. A premises liability attorney can help you identify everyone who might have contributed to your injuries.
What If My Slip-and-Fall Happened at Work?
It is common for falls to happen while people are at work. This is especially true if you work in a dangerous industry such as construction. If you have been injured in a fall on the job, you may be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits for your losses.
Even if you are eligible for workers’ comp, it is still recommended to consult a lawyer before accepting a settlement. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be familiar with the complex work comp system and will know how to best handle your claim.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Some people hesitate to contact a slip and fall attorney because they are worried about the cost. But Judd Shaw Injury Law, like most law firms, works on contingency. In other words, you do not need to pay a retainer fee to hire our law firm, and there are no upfront charges. We only get paid if and when we secure financial compensation for you. Because you come first.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we care about our clients and want the best possible outcome for the people we help. When you trust us to represent you, we will ensure that you are informed and supported throughout the duration of your case.
Call us at 1-866-909-6894 or fill out the contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation case review. We can schedule the appointment at a time and location convenient to you.