If you got hurt in an accident on someone else’s property and are looking for legal advice, you can speak with a slip and fall injury lawyer. Personal injury lawyers frequently offer a free initial consultation where you can find out more about the legal process of filing a slip and fall injury claim, and where you get the opportunity to ask your most pressing questions.
There are certain questions you should ask your slip and fall lawyer. While these can vary from one client to another, some of the questions you might want to ask can include:
Am I Responsible for Any Upfront Attorney’s Fees or Other Costs?
Slip and fall accident lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, which means that they take on the risk of litigation and only get their fee when they win your case. However, you may still be liable for any other upfront costs, such as court filing fees or any fees to obtain documents that are important for your case. You may wish to find out exactly what your upfront financial outgoings are likely to be with a personal injury case.
What Is Your Track Record with Slip and Fall Claims?
It can be a good idea to find out whether your attorney has experience in handling slip and fall accident cases. Proving negligence in a slip and fall accident can be tricky, and you will want to know that your lawyer has handled these types of cases before. They should have a knowledge of the appropriate state and federal laws, as well as have expert witnesses available to provide testimony in your case, if needed.
What Are My Chances of a Positive Outcome?
While an attorney does not have the ability to tell you whether you will win or lose a case, they can determine whether you have a good case against a defendant. Also, if an attorney is willing to take on your case on a contingency basis, you do not have to pay any up-front fees to get started on your case.
Can I Achieve an Out-of-Court Settlement?
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), many personal injury cases do not go to court. Your lawyer may be able to give you an indication, based on your specific claim, as to whether an out-of-court settlement could be possible in your case. They can also inform you about the pros and cons of settling in court and out of court.
In determining what you should ask your slip and fall lawyer, you could also consider any questions that may be quite specific to your individual case and the circumstances of your accident.
Compensation in a Slip and Fall Claim
Medical expenses, as well as lost wages, can be astronomical with accident injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You may wish to mention the subject of compensation when speaking to your slip and fall lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to advise you, based on the extent of your injuries and losses, what you could potentially claim.
Generally, more comprehensive injuries warrant a higher settlement than minor injuries, as they may need more medical treatments and have potential long-term consequences for an accident victim. Some of the compensation you could receive can include but is not limited to:
- Hospitalization bills
- Doctor’s visits
- Medical equipment
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Costs of medication
- Future medical bills
- Loss of income and future loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical pain and anguish
- Mental distress
- Loss of quality of life
Your lawyer can advise you about the types of damages you could receive in your case.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Accident
Your slip and fall lawyer should also be able to assess whether you can prove a property owner’s negligence. In some cases, the fault is not clear-cut, and you may be partly to blame for your fall. However, if a property owner or other entity knew of a dangerous condition and took no steps to remove or fix this condition, you can potentially hold them to account. Dangerous conditions can arise in a number of public and private places due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Water or debris on floors
- Uneven carpeting
- Broken steps
- Cracks or potholes in sidewalks
- Potholes in parking lots and parking garages
- Inadequate or non-existent lighting
- Loose mats or rugs
- Recently waxed floors
- Loose cables
Contact Us Now
Take advantage of our free consultation to help you assess your claim and determine whether you have a case. We will try to answer your most pressing questions and take your concerns seriously.
Slip and fall accidents are rarely straightforward, but we can be by your side and guide you through the entire legal process. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC now for help with your case at 800-959-1444.
