What Is the Role of a Slip and Fall Attorney?
Slips and falls are among the leading causes of injuries in the U.S. Statistics suggest that more than a million people visit the ER every year due to slip and fall injuries. These accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores to sidewalks to workplaces. Regardless of where a slip-and-fall accident occurs, it can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Some slip-and-fall accidents are just clumsy mistakes, but often, these accidents happen because property owners or managers are negligent. When negligence plays a role in causing a slip and fall accident, victims have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. In such cases, consulting an attorney becomes invaluable. Slip and fall attorneys play a vital role in helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. But what exactly does a slip-and-fall attorney do? Below, we look at the role of a slip-and-fall lawyer.
Evaluating the Case
The first thing a slip-and-fall lawyer does is assess their potential client’s case. An attorney will evaluate the merits of your case. This entails determining whether negligence was involved. An attorney will gather information about what hazard caused your accident, whether the property owner or manager knew about the danger, and whether they tried addressing it. After assessing the merits of your case, an attorney will advise you on the best course of action. They will explain your legal options, possible outcomes, and what to expect throughout the legal process.
Gathering Evidence
After you hire a slip-and-fall lawyer, they will work diligently to gather vital evidence to support your claim. If the accident was captured on a surveillance camera, an attorney can work to obtain the footage. They can visit the accident scene to take photographs, provided the site remains unchanged. An attorney can collect witness statements and consult experts, such as accident reconstruction professionals, to strengthen your case.
Proving Liability
A skilled attorney will use the gathered evidence to prove the elements of negligence that a plaintiff is required to prove in a slip and fall claim: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. An attorney will use the evidence to demonstrate that the property owner or manager failed to maintain safe conditions, this failure directly caused your accident, and the resulting injuries resulted in economic and non-economic damages.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging for plaintiffs. Attorneys have years of experience dealing with insurance companies. An attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company(ies) to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of and won’t accept a low offer. A slip-and-fall attorney will pursue negotiations until a fair settlement is reached and won’t be intimidated by insurers’ tactics.
Litigation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a slip-and-fall lawyer will prepare to file a lawsuit and take your case to court. During litigation, the attorney will file the necessary papers, represent you in pre-trial hearings and motions, present evidence and arguments, cross-examine witnesses and advocate zealously for maximum compensation.
Contact a Charleston Slip & Fall Lawyer
Have you suffered a slip and fall injury? Don’t navigate the complexities alone. Our skilled Charleston slip-and-fall lawyer at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/#:~:text=Slips%20and%20falls%20account%20for%20over%201%20million%20visits%2C%20or%2012%25%20of%20total%20falls.