How to Choose a Slip and Fall Lawyer (2023)

Finding an attorney you can trust can be complicated. But taking these steps can help ensure you get the right legal counsel during difficult times in your life.

Ask people you know for advice

While you may have never hired a lawyer, you may have worked with one in the past or know someone who has. So use your network to help you choose an attorney. For example, if you have worked with an estate planning consultant or real estate attorney, they may refer you to a trusted attorney.

There are also professional organizations, including your state or local bar association, that can provide attorney referrals. They are a helpful resource and can help you find the best person to help if a slip and fall occurs.

Learn how payments work

在聘请律师之前，必须了解律师将如何收取法律服务费用。

The good news is that most attorneys charge based on contingency fees. This means you don't have to worry about out-of-pocket costs if you lose your case. Your attorney will collect a percentage of the damages, which he will recover for you only if you successfully recover for the slip and fall.

Lawyers disagree on whether you have to pay actual costs, such as court fees and expert fees, if your case is unsuccessful. Therefore, you should know what the policy is for any attorney you are considering hiring.

Make sure your attorney is experienced in slip and fall cases

Slip and fall incidents are governed by what is known as property liability law or tort law. This law applies if you sneak onto someone else's property when you're not working.

Make sure the attorney you hire is experienced in handling the specific type of slip and fall case you are dealing with.

It's also important to make sure your attorney is experienced in resolving cases and attending litigation or compensation hearings, since it can be difficult to know in advance how your case will resolve.

Hiring an experienced attorney is essential to resolve your case in the best possible way. Your attorney will assist you in many important ways, including the following tasks.

Your lawyer can help you understand which laws apply to your case

Your attorney will help you identify all parties to whom you may have a tort claim so that you can obtain the maximum possible damages.

Liability and tort law require proof of negligence to recover damages. In order to prove negligence, it may be necessary to determine your "circumstances" on the property where the injury occurred.

For example, if you are classified as a "traitor," the property owner does not have the same duty of care to you as a "permit holder" or a "visitor." These are technical legal terms that can be difficult to understand, but can have a big impact on how easy it is to file a claim.

Your attorney can explain what each situation is and help you prove that the landlord failed to meet your obligations. This will maximize the chances of your claim being successful.

Your lawyer will help you decide whether to settle

In many cases, slip and fall claims are resolved without an appeal or trial. You can settle with your employer's workers' insurance company or an insurance company representing the injured property owner. This is usually the homeowners or property insurance company.

Settlement may be a faster, easier, and less stressful way to obtain compensation if you receive a fair settlement offer. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf to maximize the chances of this happening and can help you decide whether a settlement is worthwhile.

your lawyer representing you in a trial or court dispute

Finally, if you cannot come to an agreement with state authorities about your losses or the value of your workers' compensation claim, your attorney will represent you at a court hearing or before a workers' compensation administrative law judge. These procedures require specialized legal knowledge to present your case, prove your losses and obtain the compensation you deserve.

If you file a tort claim and cannot reach an agreement with the defendant, your attorney will handle your case.

• Seeking impression:You want to know exactly about your attorney's background and experience. While your case is unique, attorneys who have had great success in the past are more likely to win.
• Make sure you know who will handle the details:Sometimes an attorney or paralegal handles many aspects of your case. Find out to what extent your attorney is actually involved in the day-to-day management of your claim.
• Make sure your communication style matches:Make sure you are willing to share your personal injury information and that you are comfortable with the style and frequency of communication your attorney will use.