Slip and fall accidents are among the most frequent causes of personal injuries, and they can happen anywhere – from a slippery grocery store floor to a bumpy sidewalk. If you have slipped and fallen and gotten injured, you may be asking yourself when is the right time to speak to a lawyer. The answer depends on the following factors but the earlier you contact the lawyer the higher your chances of getting compensated for your injuries. Below is a list of situations that warrant you to seek the services of a slip and fall lawyer.
1. Once You Have Been Injured
Slip and fall accidents can cause personal injuries and if you are a victim, you should consult a lawyer immediately. However, you should always take care of your health by going to the hospital, but contacting a lawyer can also make a big difference in the case. A professional slip and fall attorney will be able to explain to you what you should do next, how to properly document your injuries and how to ensure that you do not violate any of your legal rights. The fact is that early intervention allows for the collection of important evidence, including photographs of the scene and witness statements, which are often critical to proving negligence in your case.
2. If the Property Owner or Insurance Company Is Uncooperative
If the property owner or their insurance company is uncooperative, slow to pay or denies responsibility for your personal injuries, you need a lawyer. At other times, the property owner may deny the accident was serious or that the injury was as a result of their negligence or fault. Insurance companies may also provide a low offer with an intention of not paying for the value of your claim. A slip and fall lawyer can come in to help with the negotiations so that you are not taken advantage of and get what you are owed.
3. When You Are Dealing with Complicated or Chronic Injuries
If you have suffered severe personal injuries in your slip and fall accident including fractures, head injuries, or spinal cord, you need to consult a lawyer immediately. Severe injuries may result in long hospitalization, physical therapy, or even lifelong care. It is only a lawyer that can assist you to determine the actual cost of recovery in terms of future medical expenses, wages lost and pain and suffering. This way, you can be sure that any injuries you have sustained are well captured in your claim by a lawyer.
4. If You’re Unsure About Who Is Responsible
Slip and fall accidents may be quite tricky in that they may involve more than one party or the parties involved may not be very clear. For instance, a slip on a wet floor in a store may be between the store owner and the maintenance crew or between the store owner and a third party vendor. If you are still in the dark as to who is to blame for your injuries, then it is best to speak to a slip and fall lawyer. They can look into the matter, gather proofs and ascertain who caused your personal injuries. It is crucial to know who is at fault for the accident to claim the right damages.
5. Pre Speaking with Insurance Companies
In fact, one should not speak to insurance adjusters at all before contacting a slip and fall lawyer. Insurance firms will always want you to accept whatever they offer you especially if you have not retained the services of a lawyer. A slip and fall lawyer can take full responsibility of dealing with insurance companies and you will not be at liberty to make any statement that may jeopardize your case. Furthermore, your lawyer will understand how to bargain for a settlement that will fairly compensate for your personal injuries and the effects they may have on your life going forward.
6. If You’re Facing a Tight Deadline
Every state has its own laws that define the time within which a slip and fall case should be filed. The time taken for this period may take a year or several years depending on the country where the accident happened. If you fail to meet this deadline, you will be barred from filing a claim. Seeking the services of a lawyer soon after the accident means that all legal documents are filed before the stipulated time to avoid the dismissal of the case and the right to claim compensation for personal injuries.
Final Remarks
The right time to seek the services of a slip and fall lawyer is immediately after the accident. No matter if you are facing severe injuries, unclear responsibility, or non-cooperative insurers, having an attorney can change the result dramatically. A good lawyer will stand for your interests, guide you through the legal process of personal injury and make sure that you get fair compensation for the injuries sustained. Do not hesitate – speak to a slip and fall lawyer today to start your journey towards receiving the compensation you deserve