Slip and Fall Injuries: Legal Costs and Finding the Right Attorney

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common ways people are injured in the United States. In some cases, these types of accidents can cause only a few bruises, or in other cases, they can result in serious and lifelong injuries. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including businesses, in the workplace, or on other people’s private property. If you slip and fall through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to medical expenses and other compensation. Accidents happen. But if your slip and fall could have been avoided by the property owner, you should contact an attorney to see what options you have for recovering expenses you may have incurred.
 
Many people are hesitant to hire a lawyer after an accident because they are worried about the cost of a slip and fall attorney. Keep in mind that some attorneys will charge by the hour, and others will work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case; they will keep a portion of your total compensation to cover their costs. If you are awarded nothing, your attorney will also get nothing. When you hire your attorney, any payment you are responsible for will be written out in a contract. Make sure you understand whether or not you will have to pay anything before your attorney begins work on your case. 
 
Morgan & Morgan has been successfully handling these types of cases for decades. We have recovered more than $20 billion dollars for our clients. Additionally, we have attorneys all throughout the United States, so no matter where you are located, we can help you connect with an experienced slip and fall attorney who is experienced in handling these cases in your area. We handle all of our cases on a contingency fee basis, so you'll never pay us anything until we win your case. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.
 

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

In general, a slip and fall accident is when you fall and are injured due to hazardous conditions while on someone else's property. Sometimes, accidents are unavoidable, but sometimes property owners do not take care of their property and endanger others. Property owners and businesses have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for visitors to their property. When owners fail to properly maintain their property and allow problems to continue, people can fall and get hurt. Some of the most common slip and fall injuries happen due to:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven floors
• Cracks or holes in the floor
• Torn or ripped carpeting
• Unmarked hazards
• Uneven pavement and walkways
• Damaged steps/stairs

Getting hurt from a slip and fall can result in a wide range of injuries. You may only experience a few bruises or a broken bone, but serious injuries can also occur and cause permanent damage. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to contact a lawyer to discuss your options. There are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether to consult with a slip and fall attorney.

1. The severity of your injury. If you were not severely injured, it might be better for you to handle your claim on your own in small claims court. If you have very few medical bills from your accident and you have not missed much work, handling your case yourself may be the best option. You can file a claim in small claims court or accept a small settlement from the property owner's insurance company. However, if you have been seriously injured in your fall, it is best to consult with an attorney to consider your options. When you have extensive medical bills, or if you will have lasting effects from the accident, hiring an attorney will maximize your compensation.
2. The property owner is not claiming responsibility. Hiring an attorney to prove negligence is imperative if the property owner and their insurance company are disputing who is at fault. Insurance companies are not likely to listen to you if you do not have legal representation. If your slip and fall was the fault of the property owner, it is best to get the help of an attorney to prove negligence. Proving who was at fault for the accident can be a challenge for even the most experienced slip and fall attorneys. Trying to prove it on your own when the property owner is disputing your claim can be nearly impossible.
3. You will suffer permanent damage. In case of severe injury, you may be burdened by the lasting effects of your injuries. Serious injuries cause not only immediate medical bills and lost wages, but it can also result in lasting damage, the inability to work, and rehabilitation costs. There is also a degree of pain and suffering when you have experienced a slip and fall that will negatively affect the rest of your life. You shouldn't attempt to file a claim on your own in a situation like this. A slip and fall attorney will be able to help you recover any damages and compensation you are legally entitled to. 

The Cost of a Slip And Fall Attorney

All cases are different, so the cost of a slip and fall attorney depends on the severity and complexity of your case, the damages you are seeking, and how the attorney you choose decides to charge their clients. Most slip and fall attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay nothing until you are awarded a settlement or your case is won in court. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company and property owner on your behalf. If these negotiations fail, your attorney will take the property owner to court. Until you receive compensation, most lawyers will not require any payment from you while working on your case.
 
When working with a lawyer on a contingency fee basis, you need to be clear about how the fees and expenses will be paid once you have won your claim. Most attorneys will take an average of 33% to 40% of your final compensation amount. This usually only applies to the attorney fees. Any expenses that are incurred must also come from the amount you are awarded. These expenses can be court costs, documentation fees, and other miscellaneous fees that the lawyer pays as they prepare your case. Sometimes these fees can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. 
 

If You Lose, You Usually Don't Pay

When you work with a lawyer on a contingency fee basis, you generally will not have to pay attorney fees if you lose your case. This makes it easier for people without extra money for a lawyer to obtain sound legal representation. However, make sure you read and understand exactly what expenses your attorney may charge, whether you win or lose. Some attorneys will not charge you a penny, butsome attorneys may require you to pay the expenses that were incurred preparing your case. Your attorney will be able to tell you what you will be responsible for during your initial consultation. Before you make a decision regarding who to work with, you should make sure you completely understand the cost of the slip and fall attorney you're hiring.

How Do I Hire a Slip and Fall Attorney?

Ask for attorney referrals from your friends and family. If they have no recommendations for you, you can search online for local attorneys and consider the reviews that have been left by their former clients. While you are researching attorneys, choose several that may be a good fit for you. Then, call them to set up a free consultation. Most slip and fall lawyers will offer a free initial consultation so they can evaluate your case and discuss your options. Meeting slip and fall attorneys in person will give you a good idea of who can best help you, and they can answer any questions you have about your situation.

When Should I Hire an Attorney?

It is essential to hire an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. In most states, you have two or three years to file a claim. If you miss the window for filing a claim, you may be out of luck when it comes to seeking compensation. It is also important to hire an attorney quickly so they can gather the evidence they need to prove your case. They will interview the property owner and potential witnesses, gather evidence from the accident scene, and obtain any security video that recorded the slip and fall. Obtaining evidence gets harder the longer you wait, so call an attorney for a consultation as soon as you are physically able to do so. Many slip and fall attorneys will come to you if you are unable to make it to their office.

How Will a Slip and Fall Attorney Help Me?

An attorney who specializes in slip and fall cases will be able to help you receive the best possible settlement. They are skilled in acquiring the proper evidence to support your claim of the property owner's negligence. They will also be able to negotiate a fair settlement for you that you likely would not receive on your own. They also know when to settle and when to go to court. If you end up taking the property owner to court, your slip and fall attorney will handle the entire process, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing you at trial. This can relieve a lot of stress and allow you to focus on your recovery. When you choose the right firm, you don't have to be concerned with the cost of a slip and fall attorney.

Call Morgan & Morgan for a Free Slip and Fall Consultation

At Morgan & Morgan, we have incredibly experienced and compassionate slip and fall attorneys who will help you every step of the way. We have the experience you need to recover the damages and compensation you are entitled to. 

Do not trust your case to just any personal injury attorney. You need a lawyer that knows the laws regarding slip and falls. We have attorneys all throughout the United States, so you never have to worry that the attorney you're working with doesn't know the local and state laws. The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are known for obtaining some of the largest settlements. 
However, we are also known for our success in the courtroom. Our attorneys are never afraid to go to court if the defendant isn't willing to make a reasonable settlement offer. Call Morgan & Morgan today to set up your free consultation.