Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older. Each year, more than 14 million adults aged 65 and up in the United States, or one in every four, report falling. 37% of those who fell sustained an injury that required medical attention or limited their activity for at least one day.
Finding the right lawyer is important in slip-and-fall accidents. You need a lawyer who can guide you through the whole claim process step by step. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, each phase is critical to achieving a positive outcome.
According to the legal firm Frank Santini Law, knowing what characteristics to look for when hiring a lawyer will help you choose the best one for your case.
Understanding Trip and Fall Cases
Wet floors and uneven sidewalks can cause trips and falls. There are legal consequences for these types of incidents. You must prove that the property owner caused your injury. This may require demonstrating that they failed to take action to address the problem despite prior knowledge of it.
In this type of case, creating evidence is necessary. Take photos of the scene as well as apprise witnesses and document your injuries. You need to seek immediate medical attention. This not only assures your health but it also establishes a record of your injuries that can be critical to your claim.
Another important aspect of trip and fall cases is time. Many jurisdictions have statute-based limitations that restrict the time period within which you must file a claim. Trip and fall lawyer Brian J. Isaac, Esq., says you should be proactive and informed about your situation to prevent jeopardizing your claim.
Qualities of a Good Lawyer
Choose someone who has previous experience with personal injury law. You need someone who knows the details of trip and fall cases and has previously won many similar cases.
Communication skills are important too. Good lawyers can simplify complex legal jargon to help clients understand what’s happening.
Approachability and sense of urgency are other qualities of a good lawyer. For urgent legal matters, you should be able to contact your lawyer and receive a response.
A lawyer must be patient and empathetic to comprehend the client’s position and assist them through the appropriate course of action. These traits help prioritize the client’s requirements and reach the best conclusion.
A lawyer’s negotiation skills should You should also evaluate a lawyer’s negotiation skills. Negotiating is an integral part of settling trip and fall cases. If your lawyer has excellent negotiation skills, expect a favorable outcome for your case.
How to Research Potential Lawyers
You need to do an extensive search when choosing potential lawyers who can represent your case. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have had similar experiences. Personal references can provide insight into aspects of the lawyer’s skill and approach.
Utilize websites like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell. These sites show reviews, ratings, and profiles of various attorneys. Choose a legal representative who specializes in handling slip and fall cases since they are most likely able to resolve your case quickly.
Review the qualifications and track record of the lawyers. A lawyer’s success rate will most likely reflect the case’s outcome. Check to see if any actions have been taken against them to determine whether or not they have a good industry reputation.
Analyze their communication style and evaluate whether it fits your way of communicating. A healthy lawyer-client relationship is necessary to facilitate smooth case discussions.
After narrowing down your list, schedule an initial consultation. Use this to determine the professional qualities and gauge your comfortability with the lawyer.
What to Expect During Your Claim
A lawyer will request evidence after you have initiated the claims process. Medical documents, police reports, and witness accounts will support your case.
The lawyer will quantify the damage into medical expenses, lost wages, and then pain and suffering. The lawyer’s assessment will be used to negotiate a reasonable settlement with the insurance company.
If settlement fails, the matter may go into court. Both sides will argue before a judge or jury. Stay in touch with your lawyer for advice on how to prepare for each trial stage.
Keep in mind that each case has its own unique circumstances. This means that you cannot expect what happened in a previous case to happen in your current case.
Tips for a Successful Outcome
Winning a trip and fall case is primarily dependent on a couple of key strategies. Collect all evidence after the incident occurs. Take photos of the location, any hazards, and any injuries associated with the accident. These photos can be useful in supporting your case.
Do not ignore your health and well-being. Some injuries do not manifest immediately so consulting a physician is advised. A health checkup will serve as documentation of your injuries.
Create an organized record comprising all these important communication documents, medical course documents, injury-related expenses, the filing of the case thereon, etc. Doing this makes it easier for your attorney to establish a good case.
Be patient. Legal procedures are time-consuming, and keeping open and transparent communication with your lawyer is one way to stay up to date on your case.