Although property owners and operators are expected to keep their property safe at all times, accidents happen. Many Philadelphia residents and visitors are victims of slip and fall accidents every year through no fault of their own. Slips, trips, and falls can cause serious and ongoing injuries, lost wages, and emotional damages, but many people don’t know what to do after their accident. Hiring a personal injury lawyer after an accident like a slip and fall is often necessary, and here’s why.
Establish Fault
One of the most difficult aspects of a slip and fall case is proving negligence. Proving who was at fault for the accident is essential in receiving compensation for your injuries, and an establishment will go to great lengths to put the blame on you. For example, let’s say your accident happened near a step. Was the step clearly marked? What shoes or clothing were you wearing and did they contribute to your fall? Was there a spill that the establishment failed to clean up? All of these facts and more factor into who was at fault for the accident, and having your own lawyer will help prove where the fault lies. Your lawyer will also be knowledgeable about local and state laws regarding premises liability to support your case.
Gather Evidence
In an ideal situation, you would be able to collect your own evidence after a slip and fall accident. The reality, though, is that slip and fall victims are often unable to do things like take pictures of the location, gather witness statements, and obtain security footage. Evidence is necessary to prove liability, and a lawyer will know where to look and whom to ask to get all the documentation needed.
Calculate and Prove Damages
Whether you receive a settlement offer or your case goes to trial, you want to be sure that you’re receiving fair compensation for your damages. A lawyer can advocate for you against insurance companies and businesses, and they do that by using their expertise to give you an idea of the amount of damages you should receive. They’ll take into account your past and future damages and argue that you’re owed that amount. Since damages can be hard to calculate, you’ll want a lawyer with experience dealing with personal injury cases.
Negotiate a Settlement
Once you know the amount of compensation you should receive, you might want to consider accepting a settlement offer. However, many times, offers may only cover a small portion of your costs incurred due to the accident. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the full amount to cover damages like doctor’s visits, physical therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you accept a settlement before consulting a lawyer, you forfeit the right to sue if you later find the settlement isn’t enough.
Legal Representation
In the event that your case goes to court, you always have the option to represent yourself. Keep in mind, though, that the other side will almost certainly have legal representation. What may have otherwise been a winning case for you could turn out to be the opposite. Your chances are higher if you hire a lawyer who’s familiar with the court system, premises liability laws, and local regulations that could change your case into a winning one. The legal advice is invaluable, but so is the personal support of a compassionate attorney who’s on your side.
Slip and Fall Lawyers in Philadelphia
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Philadelphia, the law may be on your side. Slip and fall accidents happen every day, and finding the right lawyer to represent your case is crucial in order to get the compensation you deserve. Contact Jason Javie Law Office for a free consultation with a member of our law team. We have a proven track record of successfully getting our clients compensation for their injuries.