A slip and fall can cause an actual and metaphorical headache. When you start wondering whether you need legal help and your friends start asking when you’re going to call a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer, you may be concerned that it’s too late.
While it is best to contact an injury attorney right away, it is usually not too late. Your lawyer can assist you during any stage of the claim process, getting the ball rolling or picking up where you left off. Working with a personal injury lawyer can be crucial to simplifying the process and ensuring your rights are protected.
Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Process
After a slip and fall accident, taking quick action is essential to securing compensation. You should make a claim or involve a slip and fall attorney as soon as you are able. This can be important for proving that your damages resulted from the property owner’s negligence.
The insurance company has one goal: to pay you as little as possible. An experienced slip and fall attorney understands what compensation you are owed and the damages you are allowed to recover. Moreover, they can help you meet Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations, ensuring that you aren’t barred from recovering.
Under premises liability laws, a property owner has a duty to maintain safe premises. Failure to uphold that duty can be negligent, making them (and their property insurance company) liable for any injuries that result. A victim of a slip, trip, or fall may be entitled to compensation, even if they are partially responsible for their injuries.
Your lawyer is your advocate. They will not just present your claim, they will assert your legal rights. Solid and persuasive negotiations can be critical to a fair settlement.
Simplifying the Process
Most people know that they are supposed to file a claim but are not sure what making a claim entails. Consulting with an attorney can provide you with insights into the process. More than that, your injury lawyer will handle your claim from settlement to verdict.
Working with an attorney typically involve:
- Consultation: During this first meeting, you will explain your case to the attorney. They will then advise you on the law and their fee schedule. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they do not get paid unless you recover.
- Claim: Your attorney will file and manage your claim with the insurance company.
- Evidence: Preserving evidence and calculating your damages is critical to a fair settlement. You will want to provide your attorney will evidence of all injuries and expenses, so that they can make a damage assessment.
- Negotiations: Your lawyer will negotiate a settlement, letting you know of any offers and advising you.
- Lawsuit: If negotiations fail, your lawyer can file a lawsuit within the two-year statute of limitations. They will handle researching the law, drafting the complaint, serving the defendants, and other technicalities involved in this process.
- Representation: Representation during pre-trial proceedings, hearings, and trial can be crucial to securing a favorable verdict or pre-trial settlement.
Conclusion
At The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C., we have seen first-hand how legal assistance can change the outcomes of an injury case. Involving a slip and fall lawyer early can make a significant difference, making the process smoother and avoiding mistakes that could affect your recovery.
