georgeA slip-and-fall accident isn’t something to joke about. This type of accident could cause serious injuries and put a financial burden on the injured person. Most people think there is nothing they can do when they slip on someone’s property. You’re responsible for the accidents that are the result of your own clumsiness. However, this is not always the case. An injured person can seek compensation for pain and injury caused due to this type of accident under certain circumstances. And to receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries and damages, it becomes necessary to hire a personal injury lawyer.
Understanding Slip and Fall Injury
A slip and fall injury can be caused due to a slip, trip, or loss of balance. Unlike other personal injury claims where an injury is caused by another person or party, here the injury is the result of an unsafe premise or hazardous situation. It refers to accidents that take place at a location or property owned by someone else. Slip and falls come in the category of premises liability where the property owners or operators are the at-fault party. For instance, a shopping mall ignores putting warning signage for a wet and slippery floor. Or a hotel has broken stairs or worn carpet that caused a fall. This type of case is known as slip and fall injury and hiring a lawyer can help you get compensation for the medical expenses, loss of work, and other potential effects of the fall. Slip and Fall Accidents could lead to serious injuries such as bone fractures, Back and Neck Injuries, deep bruises, head, hip, or Pelvis Injuries, injury to Ligaments and Tendons, etc. Slip and fall injuries could be caused due to:
- Wet or Slippery Floor
- Poor Lighting
- Icy Pavement
- Gap or Floor Transition
- Uneven Walking Surface
- Obstructions on the Floor
- Loose Railings
- And More
Why Hire Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer?
If you or your loved one has suffered injuries due to a slip and fall accident, you should hire a qualified lawyer to file your case and get the compensation needed to pay for losses and expenses. Here are some reasons to hire an experienced slip and fall injury lawyer.
1. Gather Evidence
To get the deserved compensation, you need to prove that you got injured and that injury was a result of unsafe premise conditions. It is not easy to prove this without the help of a lawyer. Only skilled personal injury lawyers can gather the needed evidence to support your case. Only evidence can prove liability in your case and most of the time defendant controls the evidence. However, lawyers know how to get access to the evidence and information that can prove the property owner was at fault for your slip and fall accident. Your lawyer will collect evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene.
2. Prove Negligence
Besides collecting evidence, you need to prove negligence. To recover compensation for a slip and fall injury, you need to prove that another party was at fault for your accident. Proving negligence can be difficult to handle without the help of an lawyer. Only lawyers understand the legal process and have the experience to prove negligence in a slip and fall injury claim.
3. Negotiate Settlement
Not everyone is skilled in negotiation. When recovering from a serious injury, it can be frustrating to deal with legal formalities and handle insurance companies. Moreover, there is a risk that the insurance company will offer you a lot less in compensation than you deserve. However, when a lawyer is representing you, this professional will negotiate on your behalf and make every possible effort to ensure that you get the amount that you deserve for your injuries and damages.
