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Slip and Fall: Do I Need a Lawyer?

by | Oct 22, 2019 | Firm News

Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common that individuals will encounter. The average person doesn’t deliberately go looking for a wet, icy, or slippery surface to walk across. Much will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident whether it’s settled quickly or will require litigation.

Absolutely anyone that has experienced a trip and fall injury should contact an attorney. Businesses will have insurance that can pay for your medical costs, lost wages and other expenses. A large percentage of home owners also have insurance for these types of situations, as do municipalities.

It’s in the best interest of insurance companies to fight any claim and try to prove the accident was your fault. If you’re trying to prove negligence or liability on the part of a business, city or even the next-door neighbor, you’ll have little success without the assistance of a lawyer that specializes in these types of cases.

Accidents happen quickly and many people are at a loss when they find themselves on the ground. It’s essential that your attorney is apprised of how the accident occurred. You’ll need to know the answers to questions that include if you were distracted, which foot slipped first, were you trying to step over something, what kind of footwear you had on, and if there was a handrail and did you use it.

They may seem like trivial questions, but they’re all critical elements that your attorney, a jury, and the judge will consider when deciding a verdict. Your lawyer will need to obtain proof to support that your injury claim is valid in the form of medical records and documentation of any lost wages.

Immediately seek medical attention after a slip and fall as injuries aren’t always immediately obvious and be sure to report it to a store manager, landlord or other official. They’ll need to complete an accident report and you shouldn’t leave until you have a copy of it. Documentation of all the details is essential and will help your lawyer win your case.