No, an attorney is not required for a slip and fall accident. You can submit a claim for personal injury or lawsuit on your own, negotiate a settlement and even appear in court. If, on the other hand, you decide to take on the property's owner, their health insurer, and possibly their lawyers on your own, you may face a stressful uphill battle.
On the other hand, slip and fall cases can be difficult to resolve. The fault is not always obvious, and a property owner may fight your case, claiming that your carelessness or clumsiness caused your fall.
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), 3 out of every five people choose to represent themselves in civil court; however, some studies show that this practice brings them at a significant disadvantage.
To protect your rights after a slip and fall, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Contact the police
- Obtain witness contact information
- Report the fall to the business establishment's management
- Take photographs of the accident scene, if possible
- Write down your experience of the accident
Severe injuries
Slip and fall mishaps can sometimes result in serious and permanent injuries, including brain injuries and fractures. You may have legal recourse if a landowner fails to rectify a dangerous or unsafe condition on their property that caused your accident and injuries. You may be able to hold the property owner liable for your damages, such as medical bills and lost wages.
What an attorney can do
Some lawyers work on a contingency basis in slip and fall cases. This means you won't have to pay any upfront legal fees and will have no financial risk. The attorney will only be paid if your case is won and you receive a settlement. Other ways a lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation and proving your case include, but are not limited to:
Defining Negligence
The most complex aspects of a slip and fall allegation is proving the property owner's, business's, or government entity's negligence on the premises where your accident occurred. You must define who is to blame conclusively and with sufficient evidence. A lawyer can assist you in analyzing your accident and gathering the necessary evidence to prove a property owner's negligence.
Representing You in Court
A lawyer can handle all the details of filing a court case, such as ensuring you don't miss any deadlines and that all of your documents are in order. They can also professionally represent you in court.
Negotiating a Settlement
Finding an out-of-court solution can sometimes be advantageous for a plaintiff. So, if you do not know how to negotiate a settlement and are unsure of your damages, you may find yourself out of pocket in the long run. An insurance company might offer you a settlement that only covers a portion of your losses.
Personal Injury Accident Attorney in Raleigh, NC Can Help You
Contact us today to discuss your slip and fall accident with our legal team. Call us for a no-obligation consultation with a member of our team. You can discuss the specifics of your situation and ask questions while considering your next steps.
