If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, you can decide whether or not you wish to seek the assistance of a lawyer to help you manage your case. While some victims choose to handle the process on their own, others find that the guidance and support of an attorney make it easier to navigate the legal system and pursue financial awards for their losses.
If you believe that you suffered unfair consequences as the result of another person’s negligence, a lawyer can investigate your case, help you determine fault, and assess your damages so that you can seek fair compensation. For those contemplating legal assistance, considering certain factors in your situation may help you decide the next step to take in your case.
The Circumstances of Your Slip and Fall Case
Slip and fall cases often occur for similar reasons, but every case varies depending on how and where it happened, the injuries it caused, the losses incurred, and other factors. Taking into consideration the circumstances of your incident can help you determine whether or not to seek the assistance of a lawyer for your slip and fall case.
Your Economic and Non-Economic Losses
Victims of slip and fall accidents often have to deal with significant damages as a result of their injuries. These may include economic losses, which have a measurable amount, as well as non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, which have subjective value.
If you missed work as a result of your injuries, you may have missed out on wages or had your pay decreased during your treatment and recovery, which made it difficult to care for yourself and your family. Even those who do not work outside the home, such as seniors and stay-at-home parents, may qualify for non-economic losses as a result of their injuries.
The Severity of Your Injury
Slips and falls can cause many types of injuries, and some may have long-term effects on your mobility and health. While falls can affect victims of any age, older people have an increased risk of suffering injuries in slip and fall accidents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), three million adults aged 65 and over receive treatment in United States emergency rooms each year for injuries related to falls. Over 800,000 remain in the hospital for treatment, and at least 300,000 suffer hip fractures as a result of their fall. In fact, falling leads to more than 95% of all hip fractures. Falls also commonly result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other broken bones, such as wrists, arms, and ankles.
A lawyer can help you pursue recovery for your medical bills, including emergency treatment, tests, medications, operations, rehabilitation, and other injury-related healthcare expenses.
The Accountability of the Property Owner
Under California Civil Code (CIV) §1714, property owners have a responsibility to protect the safety of welcomed guests on their premises. If they did not maintain their property in a manner that would reasonably have protected you from suffering injuries, they may hold liability for your losses. The criteria for negligence under premises liability law include:
- The presence of dangerous conditions that posed a risk of harm to you, of which the property owner had knowledge
- The property owner’s failure to correct the conditions by fixing it, providing a warning, or posting clear signage
- You suffered an injury as a result of the hazard that led to the accumulation of your damages
If the property owner did not know about the hazard but should have, their failure to act may still qualify as negligence.
A Lawyer Can Help You Seek Financial Awards
As a victim, you have the right to manage your case on your own. However, a lawyer can help streamline the process by handling each aspect of your case on your behalf. Some ways a lawyer can help you build your slip and fall case and seek the compensation you deserve include:
- Documenting the events and circumstances leading up to, during, and after your slip and fall accident
- Gathering evidence to establish the liability of the property owner who failed to maintain your safety
- Demonstrating the responsibility of the property owner to prevent your injury
- Evaluating your medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, emotional distress, and other damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement amount
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary, to pursue adequate financial awards
While a lawyer manages your case for you, you can focus on your recovery.
Consider a Lawyer for Your Slip and Fall Case Today
Deciding whether or not you feel you would benefit from the guidance of a lawyer for your slip and fall case takes personal reflection and the consideration of your needs and circumstances.
If you choose to seek legal assistance, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you fight for justice and compensation for your injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we do not get paid unless you do. Contact us today at (800) 223-5115.