Slip and fall accidents happen in a variety of ways. Because they are so common, there are a variety of reasons why. For example, when someone falls because of an unsafe area such as stairs or puddle (water) on the ground it is referred to as slip and fall cases. These types of incidents cause thousands of injuries every year and if you’ve been involved in such an accident, it is important to know your rights. Here is how to claim your rights in a slip and fall case.
Contact A Lawyer
If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, the best thing to do is contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the incident occurs. A personal injury lawyer that specializes in slip and fall accidents should be able to tell you whether or not you have a case. And the next steps to take if your claim is valid in law. Here are the qualities to look out for when hiring a personal injury lawyer:
Expertise
A good personal injury lawyer should have significant experience dealing with cases like yours. This will give you a better chance of achieving a positive outcome in your case. So look for an attorney that has achieved success in similar cases in the past by either asking them directly or checking online reviews.
Communication
A good personal injury lawyer will keep you in the loop. The lawyers at Warnett Hallen advise that you hire a lawyer that is dedicated to responsiveness. Since your case can have a significant impact on your life, you should be kept up to speed every step of the way in order to avoid unnecessary stress. To find an attorney that offers clear communication and returns phone calls quickly.
Negotiation Skills
Negotiation skills are key to winning your case. A large part of getting the right compensation is negotiating with the insurance company to come to an agreement that is fair. So look for a lawyer that has experience in negotiating on similar cases and knows what works and what doesn’t when dealing with insurance companies. Different lawyers have different negotiation styles and the one that is best for you will depend on your goals and personality.
Affordability
While quality is important when hiring a personal injury lawyer, so is affordability. This may be hard to judge because the cost of legal fees can vary greatly between different lawyers. But one way to gain insight into an attorney’s rates is by looking at their online profiles for information about their fee structures and what they offer in terms of payment plans.
Gather Evidence
Evidence is a key part of winning any case. This is especially true in personal injury cases, where the fault is often disputed. Here is how you gather evidence for your case:
Take Pictures
As soon as possible after the accident, take pictures of all evidence. These include broken or defaced road signs, skid marks, debris on the ground, etc. Also, take photos of your injuries and damage to any personal property that was broken during the incident if this is applicable.
Get Witness Statements
If you are able to locate anyone who saw the accident happen, take their full name and contact information. Also, ask them to recount what they saw as soon as possible after the incident. This can be key evidence later on in your case if there is a dispute about what happened during the slip and fall.
Collect Documents
Not only can a police report be helpful, but also hospital records and receipts for medical treatment or any damage done to your personal goods. In order to bring a slip and fall case against another party, it is necessary that the negligence of the other parties was a direct cause of your injuries or property damage. This can be hard to prove, but one of the most effective ways to do this is by showing documentary evidence.
File An Insurance Claim
Generally, before you can file a personal injury claim, you must first file an insurance claim. With the help of your lawyer, once you have all documentation ready, contact the insurance company of the party at fault. Tell them that you want to file a claim and ask them how they would like you to proceed. Some companies will advise you to go directly to their adjuster, while others may ask you to contact them first.
Once the company sends an adjuster to your home or office, give them all documentation related to the accident and fill out any paperwork they provide. Before you leave, make sure you get all of your questions answered related to the claim and the insurance company’s investigation.
Claiming your rights after a slip and fall accident can be complicated, but knowing what to expect will help ease some of the stress.Firstly,
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