Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, and many happen in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 865 people were killed in workplace falls in 2022, and that number is on the rise. If you’re searching “slip and fall attorneys near me,” you are obviously looking for sound legal advice.
Don’t hire the first attorney who pops up in a search just because you’re worried about how an injury will affect you. You deserve slip and fall lawyers who genuinely care about your case and will work hard on your behalf. Selecting a dedicated attorney is easier when you know what questions to ask.
What Is Your Background?
You wouldn’t hire an employee without questioning their education, experience, and professional successes. When you’re injured, you need an attorney with real personal injury experience. A skilled attorney understands the sometimes complicated world of damage compensation and knows when a settlement is or isn’t in their client’s best interests.
Ask these questions about background before hiring a personal injury lawyer:
- Have you had clients with cases that are similar to mine?
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
- Do you belong to any legal organization, and if so, how does that experience apply to my case?
- What is your record of success with my type of case?
If an attorney is hesitant to answer basic questions about their professional experience, keep looking for slip and fall attorneys near me until you find one you feel confident with.
What Are Your Fees?
Most slip and fall lawyers structure their fees on a contingency basis. That means a client pays nothing unless they win the case. If a settlement is reached or a trial is successful, fees are typically a flat percentage rate. However, that may not be the case with all attorneys. Ask questions like these for clarification:
- Are there additional costs for expenses or expert testimony?
- Can you provide an estimate of the total fees for a case like this?
- If I hire you, is there a contract that clarifies everything that might be included in the final cost?
No attorney can predict every expense, as every case is different. However, if a personal injury attorney does not charge a basic flat contingency fee, they should be able to accurately estimate potential costs.
What Can I Expect From This Case?
Some people don’t look for slip and fall lawyers even when they have a strong case and deserve compensation. They may assume that a lawsuit is too much trouble or that they’ll be treated unfairly. You can put many of those concerns to rest with these questions:
- What is the likely outcome of this case?
- What kind of strategy have you used in similar cases?
- Will my case have to go to trial or is a settlement better?
- How long do you think the whole process will take?
Even the best attorney isn’t a fortune teller and may not be able to provide definitive answers to these questions. If an attorney is experienced with personal injury law, they can provide reasonable estimations of what you can expect.
How Will You Communicate With Me?
When you first begin looking for an attorney, communication styles may not be your priority. However, clear communication is an important element of the attorney-client relationship. Consider asking a potential lawyer questions such as:
- How long does it usually take for you to return client phone calls?
- Will you update me by text, phone call, or email?
- Can I contact you when I have questions?
Attorneys are busy people who aren’t always available to take your call. Good communication requires effort and respect from both the attorney and the client.
What Can I Expect Regarding Timelines?
Waiting around to hear news about your case is undeniably frustrating. Personal injury cases can take many months to resolve, oftentimes years, but if you understand the process and have realistic expectations of timelines, it is easier to be patient.
These questions will help you manage your timeline expectations:
- How long do you think it will take before I receive payment?
- What are the major steps in filing this lawsuit and how long does each take to complete?
- If we go to trial, how long might it take to get a court date?
The more severe a person’s injuries are, the more time it can take to gather evidence and prepare for a lawsuit. Your attorney is just as eager as you are to finish the case. In most cases, you can trust that your lawyer is working as efficiently as possible on your behalf.
FAQ
What Can I Do to Strengthen My Case?
Your attorney will complete a thorough investigation on your behalf, but there are steps you can take to help your case. Follow all medical advice and attend recommended appointments. If possible, collect contact information and statements from witnesses at the time of the accident.
Finally, be honest with your attorney — even if you feel some information may work against you. The more facts your lawyer has, the better prepared they will be to fight for fair compensation.
Do You Offer Free Consultation?
Most personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation. You should not have to pay an attorney until you’ve agreed to hire them.
Should I Take a Settlement?
There are pros and cons to every settlement offer. Whether a settlement is in your best interests depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the evidence in your case, and the amount of the settlement.
Have You Been Searching the Internet for “Slip and Fall Attorneys Near Me”? Ramsey Law Group Is Here to Help
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident at work or in a public space, you need experienced legal representation to help you receive fair compensation. Contact Ramsey Law Firm today and schedule a free consultation.