A slip and fall can happen anywhere, whether it is public or private property. It is the proprietor’s prerogative to ensure the safety of users of their property.
You might be walking down while shopping and the next thing you know, you’ve slipped and fallen. If the slippery floor causes injury to your arm, back, or any other body part, you should probably start thinking about initiating legal proceedings to get compensation.
Read more on the types of compensation you may receive.
If you were not aware, the proprietor is legally and financially responsible for injuries sustained from a slip and fall on their property if it is established they are liable for the accident.
Therefore, after a slip and fall accident, it is important that you first contact a slip and fall lawyer. Your lawyer should help you know your rights and liability regarding the slip and fall accident but how will you know that you need a lawyer?
Read on for five signs that you need the services of a slip and fall lawyer.
1. Extent of Your Injury
You may assume that small injuries are not worth the time; however, you may slip and fall and bruise your shoulder which can lead to complications in the future. For this reason, you should seriously consider hiring a lawyer. Finding the right attorney is a combination of the law SEO expert a firm employs or the agency they source their marketing to.
The lawyer you hire will file a claim with the proprietor’s insurance company and negotiate to get the best offer. If the injury is severe, for instance, if you sustained a fractured leg or broken neck from the fall, then your lawyer will most likely get you the compensation you deserve.
2. The Proprietor Disputes the Liability
It is usual for the proprietor to dispute their role in the accident. They will make false claims such as you as the complainant, did not exercise enough caution or were running instead of walking, among other false things in a bid to reduce their liability. A slip and fall lawyer will ensure that the liability is apportioned fairly and correctly.
3. Settlement Given Is Unfair
Sometimes the proprietor’s insurer will offer you a lower settlement to avoid lengthy legal proceedings in court. These offers are usually very unfair and do not take into account many things.
A slip and fall lawyer should help you determine if the offer is fair or not. Lawyers can calculate the perfect amount for you by considering other factors such as the severity of the injury, time off work to recover, and future medical expenses.
4. What Caused the Fall
Just because you slipped and fell while within someone’s property does not mean you are entitled to a settlement. The court will need to know the details of the fall before it makes any ruling.
If you slipped and fell because the stairs were in bad shape, then the proprietor will be liable. If their stairs are perfect and you fell because you missed a step, then the fall will be your fault.
Reach Out To a Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer
Since not all slip and fall injuries need a lawyer, you can file a claim on your own for certain injuries sustained. All the same, you need to know exactly when to contact your lawyer after a slip and fall accident.
If you have suffered injuries from a fall but are not sure about the legal procedure, make sure you contact a slip and fall lawyer.
