Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and anytime. These kinds of things can result in injury. In the worst cases, they can make the future uncertain. For anyone who has experienced a slip and fall accident, you might be wondering whether it is needed to hire a lawyer. So, should you get a lawyer for this kind of accident?
Definition of Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall accident refers to an accident that occurs when someone stumbles or loses traction and falls to the ground. Usually, an object or circumstance that led to the accident, for example a badly lit stairwell or a slippery floor, is involved.
In the United States, a slip and fall accident is common. It makes it to the list of one of the most common accidents in the country. It can happen anywhere, including in public and private spaces like parks, offices, schools, places of business, driveways and sidewalks, construction sites, nursing homes, and so on.
Whether a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer is Needed or Not
For anyone who is wondering whether it is needed for you to hire a personal injury lawyer to help your slip and fall case, the short answer to the question is no. There is no need for you to do that as you can file a personal injury claim or lawsuit by yourself. Apart from that, you can also negotiate a settlement and fight in the court without the help of the lawyer.
However, all the process can be stressful and challenging. Gathering evidence and proving that the slip and fall accident is someone else’s fault is not easy. The other party may also fight for themselves by stating that the accident happened due to your clumsiness or carelessness. Besides, you may also have to deal with the insurance adjusters that will try anything to help the insurance company get the best result and only pay out a little.
According to the American Bar Association or ABA, three out of five people who choose to fight for their case in the court for a slip and fall accident without getting help from a personal injury lawyer lose the case. It proves that having such a lawyer by your side can increase the chances of you winning the case. By hiring them, not only your chances to win can be increased, you can also lose the burden and focus on your health as your lawyer will handle everything for you.
Reasons Why a Slip and Fall Lawyer Needed
There are several reasons why it is needed for you to call a personal injury lawyer when you had slip and fall incident, as follows:
1. They can help you collect and present evidence
In any case, evidence plays a big role. It is the thing that can give the plaintiff victory. Basically, you have to get strong evidence if you want to win the case of slip and fall accident. However, it can be something challenging to gather evidence and to prove your case. This is the reason why it is better for you to hire a lawyer that can help you win the case by collecting strong evidence and proving that you are right.
2. They can deal with insurance adjusters
Do not expect anything from the insurance companies. It has been known that they never care about your interest and will try their best to pay out as little as possible. To achieve their goal, they have insurance adjusters that they will do anything to help the best result for the company.
It would be difficult to encounter these insurance adjusters, especially if you do it on your own. That’s why it is recommended for you to have a personal injury lawyer on your side as they can make sure for you to get your best interests and will always be ready to fight for you in case there are any attempts to downplay or undermine your claims or injuries.
3. They can help you to prove fault and liability
It can be complex to prove liability. It is a must for you to prove that the slip and fall accident happened due to someone else’s fault. Apparently, financial compensation can only be granted by the court if there is proper and strong evidence. This is when a personal injury lawyer is needed as they will help you to prove fault and liability.
3. They can fight for you so that you can get a fair compensation
It is possible to get fair compensation if your lawyer manages to prove your injuries and losses. In some states, there is a law that makes it possible for the victims of the accident to receive financial compensation that is the same as the value of their loss.
Talking about compensation, it should be noted that any compensation, whether it is financial or non-financial one, may be given depending on the details of the case.
Best Time to Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer
The best time to call a personal injury lawyer for a slip and fall accident is after you have received medical treatment for your injuries. The moment after the accident happened, you can take a breath for a while and then document the time and the place when it took place. If you can, please take photos of the accident.
After that, you can call a personal injury lawyer. Please do it as soon as possible. While your injury may seem minor at first, it can get worse and no one knows when it can be healed. Do not forget to get your medical records when seeing a doctor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, you are not required to get a lawyer for a slip and fall accident as you can play their role by yourself. However, as it is not easy to gather evidence, prove that the accident happened due to someone else’s fault, as well as dealing with the other party and or insurance adjusters, it is better for you to hire one. By having them on your side, it can also prevent you from getting stressed dealing with all of these things.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
