Why is a Personal Injury Lawyer Needed in a Slip and Fall Case?
Slipping and falling can result in broken bones or worse yet, brain damage. It is important that you contact a personal injury lawyer immediately after the accident. They will be the most beneficial asset you will have on your side as the bills begin to come in.
The main reason that a lawyer is important in slip and fall cases is that the property owner could be liable for your injuries. It is important for you to photograph or document the accident site. This will help show the lawyer, insurance companies, and anyone else who needs to know whether or not there was negligence on the part of the person who owns the property. They must maintain the area and notify people of any hazards that may be present, such as a wet floor.
It is important to act fast when obtaining legal counsel because you only have two years to pursue a claim. You will want someone who is experienced and knows how to obtain compensation for you as fast as possible; still making sure it is a fair amount. They will also be able to tell you how long you have to pursue compensation.
Just because you have been injured does not mean you have a sure fire slip and fall case. A lawyer will be able to tell you if there was just cause to hold the property owner responsible for your injuries. They will also want to talk to a doctor that can prove what injuries were sustained and any treatment required. It is important that you seek medical attention immediately following the fall if you want to give your case the best help. Without knowledge of the law in your area, you may spend time and money seeking restitution where none is due.
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will try to prove that the condition existed long enough to show that the owner did nothing to prevent a hazardous situation. They will also need to prove that you were invited onto the property, especially if it occurred at a person’s house. Finally, they have to show whether the defendant was negligent in failing to warn others about dangerous conditions.
There is no harm in contacting a lawyer after you fall. Many firms offer free consultations where you can get advice for your case without having to pay anything up front. From there, you will want to interview the lawyers to make sure you hire someone who will completely back you until settlement is reached.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Changes to Ontario Laws for Winter Slip and Fall Accidents on Private Property (January 29, 2021)- link to updates.