The majority of injured victims are advised to retain legal counsel if they want to seek monetary compensation for their injuries. If you want to learn more about how an attorney can benefit you, then contact a Los Angeles slip-and-fall lawyer. Slip and fall accidents can be unpredictable, and having a legal representative on your side can make it more likely that the case will be resolved through settlement negotiations.
It can be difficult to establish that the defendant is liable for your injuries. You will need to prove the four elements of negligence, but defense counsel will attack your arguments throughout the entirety of the case. Also, the insurance company may claim that you did not suffer any injuries during the accident but that you suffered injuries in a different accident.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in California
Slip and fall accidents often occur in public spaces such as grocery stores and restaurants. However, many slip-and-fall accidents also occur in factories and warehouses. The following are some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Overcrowded spaces
- Too many objects in one area
- Inadequate lighting
- Falling from a high surface
- Slippery floors
- Broken handrails
- Faulty staircases
- Uneven floors
- Falling debris
- Items on a walkway
- Spills
Many other circumstances and conditions may give rise to slip-and-fall accidents. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will claim that the accident victim caused their own injuries through their own negligence, and this tactic is used in the most common types of personal injury cases in Los Angeles. However, a slip-and-fall attorney in Los Angeles can help you establish the liability of the defendant.
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The Types of Damages Accident Victims May Claim in Slip and Fall Cases
Accident victims in slip and fall cases may claim general damages and special damages. These are also known as non-economic damages and economic damages. Generally, special damages refer to specific losses such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost earnings.
General damages refer to more personal losses such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Injured victims may also claim punitive damages, which are reserved for cases in which the defendant commits wanton, willful, or malicious conduct. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and to deter the defendant from committing the same harmful conduct in the future.
Nominal damages are typically awarded to injured victims who cannot establish the total damages amount associated with the case. These damages are typically in the amount of $1 and are awarded to provide a mental award for the injured party to let them know that the defendant was liable for their injuries. It is important to ask your attorney questions if you need more information about the types of damages you may claim for your injuries.
The Things You Should Do After Suffering Injuries in a Slip and Fall Accident
Accident victims should get to a safe area and reach out for medical care as soon as possible after a slip-and-fall accident. Also, it is important that you file an incident report and place the property owner on notice that you suffered personal injuries during a slip and fall accident. It is also helpful to take photographs and video recordings of the accident scene and any environmental conditions that contributed to the slip and fall accident.
If any witnesses observed the accident, then you should obtain their contact information and any statements they wish to give regarding the incident. Do not wait to seek out medical care for your injuries. Insurance companies may attempt to claim that you did not suffer injuries during the accident because you did not seek immediate medical attention.
You also need to refrain from posting anything on social media applications. Insurance claims adjusters may be observing your social media pages. Therefore, you should not provide them with any photographs or posts which they may use to harm your case.
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Paying for Legal Representation in a Slip and Fall Accident Case
If you want to obtain legal representation, you do not have to worry about paying legal fees at the outset of your case. Most slip-and-fall accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will have your legal fees deducted from the final settlement or judgment amount at the conclusion of your slip and fall accident case.
If your attorney does not obtain financial compensation on your behalf, then you do not owe any legal fees. Only if your attorney obtains a judgment or settlement in your favor will you be obligated to have a percentage deducted as attorneys’ fees. This motivates the attorney to work hard to help you seek monetary compensation for your injuries.
Some attorneys may charge an hourly fee. Other attorneys may charge a retainer that must be paid before the legal representation begins. However, the majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
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The Benefits of Retaining Legal Counsel in Your Slip and Fall Accident Case
Retaining a slip-and-fall accident attorney will allow you to take advantage of attorney-client privilege and attorney-client confidentiality. The communications you have with your attorney are protected, and this permits you to speak candidly about the facts of your case. By learning everything about the accident, your attorney will be able to offer you exceptional legal representation.
One important benefit of having legal counsel is that defense counsel will take you and your claims more seriously. If you represent yourself, then it is likely that the attorneys on the other side will try to have the case dismissed. You may not have a thorough understanding of civil procedure or evidence law to enable you to protect your case and keep your claims from being dismissed with prejudice.
An attorney can also make sure that the defense attorneys are doing their job according to the law. If you do not have legal counsel, then it is more likely that opposing counsel will not take your case seriously. If this occurs, it is less likely that you will be able to negotiate a settlement agreement with the defense.
The Simmrin Law Group Can Help You with Your Slip and Fall Accident Case
It can be intimidating to seek out legal representation if you are unfamiliar with lawyers and the different fee agreements they use with clients. If you are seeking out a slip and fall accident attorney in Los Angeles, then contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can help you understand the legal options available to you and how you can seek monetary compensation for your injuries.
You need to make sure that you gather documentary evidence to substantiate your legal claims. A slip-and-fall accident lawyer can help you hire expert witnesses, which may be necessary to establish the liability of the defendant. If you want to learn more about the benefits of hiring an attorney for your slip and fall accident case, then reach out to the Simmrin Law Group today.
Call or text (626) 709-2523 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form