If you are involved in a slip and fall accident, you may think it is “no big deal.” After all, these types of accidents happen every day. While this may be true, the injuries sustained in a slip and fall injury can be serious and life-changing. However, if you do not seek medical treatment immediately, filing a claim for compensation may be impossible.
In any situation where you are injured because of a slip and fall accident, it is recommended that you seek representation from a personal injury attorney. At The Law Office of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we can help you file a claim and recover a fair amount of compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you are wondering if you need the services of an attorney after a slip and fall attorney, keep reading to learn more about what benefits they offer.
Establishing Liability in a Slip and Fall Case
Hiring a lawyer means having someone investigate your case and see if something similar occurred. If it has, your attorney can use the information to prove the landlord possessed knowledge of the hazard present.
If a property manager or landlord knew about a hazard but failed to take action to address it in a reasonable time, they could be held liable for your injuries and losses.
Stop You From Accepting a Low or Unfair Settlement Offer
Sometimes, insurance companies make initial settlement offers much lower than an accident victim deserves. The goal is to have you accept the offer before seeking legal representation.
An attorney will help ensure the settlement is fair and that you receive a settlement representing your losses. They can also ensure the settlement accounts for all the losses you may experience in the future due to the incident.
If the accident results in permanent disabilities or you cannot work the same job or earn the same income you did before the accident, your attorney can negotiate an amount to cover the cost of your treatment and your diminished earning capacity.
Represent Your Case if It Goes to Trial
Your attorney will likely work to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company to ensure you get compensation for your slip and fall accident. However, they can help you file a personal injury lawsuit if the negotiations are unsuccessful.
Your attorney will help you comply with the applicable deadlines and the statute of limitations. They will also handle the paperwork and red tape involved with the legal claim.
Your attorney can represent you if your case goes to court, too.
Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall accident can happen anytime and in any location. As mentioned above, they can result in serious, life-changing injuries.
The CDC has reported that more than 800,000 visits to the hospital occur each year because of slip and fall incidents around the U.S. These cases usually involve head injuries or hip fractures, which are two conditions that may cause permanent or temporary disabilities for the victim.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Some accidents cannot be avoided, and others occur because of preventable circumstances with reasonable precautions. Invitees, guests, and visitors may sustain a slip and fall accident if a property stays unsafe. In these situations, the property owner will be considered liable for covering the costs of the injuries you sustain.
Some of the situations when a slip and fall may occur because of negligence include the following:
- Failure to provide handrails in necessary locations
- Failure to maintain the property properly
- Failure to prevent leaks and leave puddles
- Failure to replace broken handrails
- Failure to remove obstructions that are in a guest’s way
- Failure to handle a safety hazard or concern that was reported on the property
While these situations may not seem inherently dangerous, they can cause serious consequences if not addressed. While replacing the carpet in a building may seem like a cosmetic or aesthetic issue, if you consider a small snag near the entranceway may cause someone to trip, you will understand why this is a priority. The same applies to anything else on a property that may cause someone to slip, trip, or fall.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help with Your Slip and Fall Accident Claim
You have rights if you are involved in a slip and fall accident on a Long Island property. There are situations where the property owner or manager will be considered liable for your injuries and losses.
After an accident like this, you may be injured and focus on your recovery, which should be your priority. Our legal team can take over the legal process to ensure you recover the full compensation you are entitled to.
The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation. We can discuss your situation and begin working to gather evidence and prove liability. Our team will fight for your rights.
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