New York City is one of the world’s largest, most densely populated cities in the world which is one of the reasons people love it so much. There’s nowhere else in the world like NYC, but with busy streets, crowded subways, and businesses at capacity, there’s no shortage of accidents waiting to happen. If you find yourself the unlucky bystander injured in an accident on someone’s property, seeking the advice of slip and fall lawyers in NYC may help get you back on your feet.
While some people abuse the use of slip and fall lawyers to file outrageous lawsuits against companies, people seriously injured in slip and fall accidents could be entitled to compensation for injuries, missed work, and more. A slip and fall lawyer can help build a case for the injured party and represent them in court to ensure they are receiving fair compensation under the law.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Causes of slip and fall accidents vary greatly, but are most generally caused by failure to maintain the property through negligent acts such as failing to provide necessary handrails, failing to prevent a leak that leaves a puddle on the floor, or failure to properly secure carpets or rugs to avoid tripping guests. All of these issues can lead to severe injuries if not properly addressed, and victims of an accident should take the necessary steps following an accident to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.
What to do When Involved in a Slip and Fall Accident
Following a slip and fall accident, the first thing to do is to seek medical treatment immediately. Once the victim’s injuries are addressed, the next step should be to alert the property owner and/or manager, who should then create an incident report. Delays in visiting a doctor will result in reducing the value of a victim’s case, and failure to provide properly documented medical records may make it impossible to build a case at all.
The injured party should receive a copy of the incident as well as take photo documentation of where the incident occurred and record their recollection of the incident. After these initial steps, the injured party should contact a slip and fall lawyer and refrain from any communication with the business owners or insurance companies, as well as follow any additional advice from their lawyer.
What is the Role of a Slip and Fall Lawyer?
A slip and fall lawyer, also known as a personal injury lawyer, is a licensed lawyer with a special concentration in tort law. Tort law refers to a civil action or omission resulting in injury, loss, or harm to an individual. Although practicing this type of law does not require special certification, many lawyers will pursue continuing education in this specialty to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the field to better represent clients.
Personal injury lawyers provide legal representation to individuals who have been injured in an accident. The primary goal is to provide relief to the injured party, hold those responsible for the injuries accountable, and prevent the same issue from happening in the future. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to manage a slip and fall case can ensure that the plaintiff receives fair and just compensation for their injuries.
How Can a Slip and Fall Lawyer Help My Case?
The decision to hire an injury lawyer largely depends on the nature of the injury and any resulting medical bills or lost wages. It’s important to note that most slip and fall accidents are not suited for self-representation, and hiring a lawyer may help your case in a number of ways.
The first reason is that having the aid of a lawyer will allow you to focus on your health and mental wellbeing while they take care of the legwork. Secondly, it is often difficult to determine which party is at fault in a slip and fall accident, and many businesses and their insurers will avoid taking responsibility for the incident unless the liability is obvious.
How Businesses and Insurance Companies Avoid Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
Many businesses and insurance companies involved in slip and fall cases will often downplay the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries, and without proper representation, the injured party is rarely prepared to fight back. Utilizing the knowledge and expertise of an injury lawyer can ensure an accurate representation of the severity to increase compensation and help the injured party avoid being taken advantage of by companies attempting to disregard the law.
Additionally, insurance companies can trick victims into accepting blame, settling quickly, or outright denying the claim. Setting up an initial consultation with an injury lawyer is usually free of charge and can help outline how hiring a lawyer may be able to help your case.
How Much Does an Injury Lawyer Cost?
Because of the nature of their work, injury lawyers generally do not require payment for services upfront. Instead, they operate using what is known as a contingency fee agreement. This agreement involves the lawyer taking a certain percentage of the client’s final settlement as their fee. This fee is generally between 33-40% of the total amount won for the client.
Additionally, clients are responsible for any costs incurred by the law office during the investigation. These include charges such as filing fees, postage costs, expert witness fees, police reports, and investigative charges. Clients are encouraged to negotiate pricing with their lawyers and ensure that they receive a written agreement for services when entering into a contract with a personal injury lawyer.
