English 
Spanish You can attempt to deal with the at-fault party, their insurance company, and the insurance adjuster after an accidental fall. Yet, you may get overwhelmed by the claims process and everything it entails. In that instance, you could benefit from hiring a personal injury attorney following a slip and fall accident.
A legal representative can handle evidence collection and deal with the insurance company for you. Many will represent you at no upfront or out-of-pocket cost, so you can get legal guidance and support without a potentially costly delay.
You Benefit From Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney for a Slip and Fall
When you handle your case without a personal injury law firm, you have to manage the timing and actions of each phase of your journey toward financial compensation. You, alone, will have to navigate the personal injury process with all its legal ramifications.
When a slip and fall lawyer represents you, they will:
- Handle all aspects of the investigation
- Draft and file your insurance claim or lawsuit
- Locate and interview lay and expert witnesses
- Calculate your losses
- Seek fair compensation for your losses
An added benefit of working with a personal injury attorney: you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery while they focus on recovering compensation.
Your Slip and Fall Attorney Can Establish Your Case’s Required Elements
To recover damages following a slip and fall accident, your case must show that a property owner’s negligence led to your injuries and losses. Your lawyer can gather compelling evidence to show:
- Duty of care. The property owner had an obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe for lawful guests.
- Breach of duty. The property owner knew (or should have known) about hazards that could endanger others’ safety.
- Causation. You slipped, fell, and suffered severe injuries.
- Damages. You have medical bills, lost income, and other injury-related losses arising from the incident.
You don’t have to have a comprehensive understanding of negligence or any legal principle that applies to your claim. Your slip and fall injury lawyer can handle your case’s obligations from start to finish, keeping your goals at the forefront the entire time.
Your Personal Injury Attorney Can Gather Evidence to Bolster Your Claim
As noted, your slip and fall lawyer needs evidence to prove a property owner’s negligence led to your condition. Supporting information in your case could include:
- Medical records
- Photos of the fall site
- Photos of your injuries
- Eyewitness testimony
- Expert witness testimonials
- Smartphone and security video footage
There’s no such thing as a useless piece of evidence in a personal injury case. The more information your lawyer can gather, the stronger your claim could be.
What Types of Damages Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Recover?
Your premises liability lawyer can help you recover two types of damages after an accidental fall. The economic damages they request will compensate you for out-of-pocket costs. These can usually be proven with bills, receipts, and estimates.
Non-economic damages are subjective and can be more difficult to document. Your lawyer will use your medical records, written prognosis, and expert testimonials to determine their values.
Medical Bills and Additional Economic Damages After a Slip and Fall Accident
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, accidental falls are a frequent cause of emergency room visits. Slip and fall injuries can include open wounds, broken and fractured bones, and serious brain injuries.
Your personal injury lawyer will help you recover the cost of your current and future medical bills. Additional economic damages can include:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage expenses (such as broken prescription glasses)
Economic damages can vary greatly based on the extent of your injuries and the amount of time you are unable to work. The legal team handling your case will determine the monetary value of your economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages After a Slip and Fall Accident
When you suffer an accidental fall because of another person’s or entity’s negligence, it can have a lasting psychological impact. According to Mayo Clinic research, falls and other types of traumas can leave you with fear, anxiety, and depression. Non-economic compensation for a slip and fall may include:
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental and emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
Your legal team will assess your intangible damages and determine what constitutes a fair settlement offer.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help if a Slip and Fall Accident Is Fatal?
If a loved one is fatally injured in a slip and fall accident, your lawyer can help your family identify their legal options. While nothing can truly atone for your loss, you can recover the following wrongful death-related damages:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of your loved one’s income
- Loss of their domestic contributions
- Loss of consortium and support
- Loss of guidance and companionship
Your lawyer will explain who can file a wrongful death action and which family members can recover compensation.
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit?
Filing a lawsuit after a slip and fall accident is a time-sensitive legal matter. According to CCP § 335.1, you generally have two years to file your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If the statute of limitations expires:
- You will not be able to file your lawsuit at all.
- Your lawsuit could be dismissed with prejudice.
- You couldn’t hold the negligent party accountable in court.
Understanding case-related deadlines can be hard since they can change based on the age of the injured party. A local injury claim attorney can help you understand the filing deadline and any factors of your accident that could cause it to fluctuate.
Learn About Securing Legal Representation for a Slip and Fall
If you or a loved one was injured in an accidental fall, you benefit from hiring a personal injury attorney for your slip and fall case. While not required, hiring our accident lawyer can help you navigate the financial recovery process and accurately assess your recoverable damages.
Call KJT Law Group to learn more about the benefits of working with a personal injury lawyer rather than taking on the at-fault party on your own. Dial (818) 507-8525 to get started.
