Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries that impact a person’s ability to function. If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The success of a personal injury claim often depends on the diligence of your slip and fall lawyer.
Without the hard work of a dedicated attorney, many injured people would receive only a fraction of the compensation they deserve.
What Does a Slip and Fall Attorney Do for You?
Slip and fall accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Floors and flooring materials are one of the biggest causes, directly contributing to more than 2 million injuries annually. Hours of work go into each case that results in compensation, but what does a slip and fall lawyer actually do on their client’s behalf?
Most people don’t realize the depth of research and planning needed to be successful in a personal injury case. When you hire a slip and fall attorney, you’re paying for their expertise and the many hours they will spend carefully building your case one block at a time.
Gather Evidence
Evidence is key to any legal case. The more evidence proving exactly what happened and who was at fault, the stronger a slip and fall case will be. Experienced attorneys know who to speak to and how to get the evidence needed. Some examples include:
- Accident reports from police and other authorities
- Medical records
- Eyewitness statements
- Security recordings or other video evidence
- Photographs
- Expert statements such as medical or industry experts
- Safety logs
Evidence corroborates a victim’s claims and is needed to fully establish liability. All of this work must be completed promptly because the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Texas is two years.
Prove Negligence
Texas operates under a “shared-fault” system, which means the injured person (plaintiff) can be found partially at fault for an accident but still receive some compensation.
For example, imagine you tripped on an exposed extension cord in a place of business. The property owner did not post a warning sign or take any steps to protect the public from an obvious trip hazard.
However, on closer inspection, evidence shows you were talking on the phone and not paying attention to your surroundings. A court could decide that you are partially responsible for your injury. This doesn’t mean you won’t receive compensation, but the amount may decrease to reflect your portion of the blame.
Because of the work they did to gather evidence, an experienced slip and fall attorney will be prepared for this possibility before filing the case.
Establish the Severity of Injury
The exact amount of compensation an injured person receives depends on several factors. The severity of their injury is a major consideration. A serious injury may require surgery or months of intensive physical therapy. In some cases, slip and fall injuries are catastrophic and can result in death.
An attorney will consult with not only their client’s physicians but other experts in the field. It is necessary to fully understand the extent of a person’s injuries before a settlement amount can be calculated.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Fair compensation requires a close examination of how the accident will affect the victim and those who depend on them. Some of the financial considerations include:
- Hospital and medical bills, including treatments and therapy
- Expenses for medical supplies and medical equipment
- Medication costs
- Cost of transportation to and from medical appointments
- Lost wages and other lost income
- Costs for services you are unable to perform, such as yard care or housekeeping
Your attorney may also discuss other accident-related damages, including pain and suffering. Thanks to their experience, personal injury attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance company representatives and what type of settlement offer to expect.
Represent You at Trial
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, or if it’s in your best interests to try the case in court, your slip and fall lawyer will represent you in a trial. A personal injury trial may take place with a jury, or in the case of a bench trial, a judge will make all final decisions.
Trials are high-stress processes filled with strict deadlines and unfamiliar procedures. Misfiling papers or missing even one deadline could end your chances of being compensated. Having a slip and fall lawyer at your side greatly improves your chances of success.
FAQ
I Didn’t Fill Out an Accident Report Immediately — Is It Too Late?
An accident report may help establish liability, but it’s not required to file a case. Speak with a slip and fall attorney to learn more.
I Slipped on a Wet Floor at the Grocery Store. Is the Janitor Responsible?
Liability, if any, would be the responsibility of the store, and compensation would be paid by the company’s insurance, not an employee.
I Tripped and Fell in a Dimly Lit Parking Lot. Do I Have a Case?
Lighting is essential to keeping outdoor spaces safe at night. If evidence proves your fall was related to poor lighting, you may have a premises liability case.
You Deserve Compensation for a Slip and Fall Injury
After an injury, your focus should be on recovery, not how to pay your bills. Hiring a slip and fall lawyer to oversee your case relieves you of the stress and allows you to focus on what matters — your health.
When you understand all the hard work a personal injury lawyer completes on your behalf, you’ll see what a smart investment it is. Your attorney will gather evidence, establish liability, negotiate to get a fair settlement, and represent you vigorously in court if needed.
If you were injured in a fall that wasn’t your fault, don’t go through it alone. Contact Ramsey Law Group to learn about your legal rights and options for compensation.