Do You Require an Attorney for a Slip and Fall?

If you have sustained severe injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may be uncertain about the necessity of hiring a lawyer, or if it is financially feasible for you. Understandably, medical expenses can accumulate rapidly, and managing your finances can be challenging without the added burden of legal fees. However, having the right attorney by your side can make it easier for you to seek the compensation you deserve. Although we cannot guarantee the outcome of your claim, our extensive experience is brought to every case we handle. 

Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney?

By working with a lawyer, you can increase your overall compensation and receive valuable legal advice to navigate potential pitfalls that could decrease your compensation. Additionally, a lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, freeing up your time to focus on recovery and implementing necessary safety measures to prevent similar accidents.

Slip and Fall Accidents: The Aftermath

After a slip and fall accident, you may experience several common types of injuries, including:

1. Traumatic brain injury, resulting in ongoing disorientation, difficulty regulating emotions, or comprehension difficulties.
2. Spinal cord damage, leading to limited mobility or paralysis.
3. Broken bones, particularly hip fractures or knee injuries.
4. Soft tissue damage, which can often cause more long-term pain and suffering than broken bones.

What Occurs During Your Claim?

Following a slip and fall accident, working with a lawyer can help you gain a better understanding of Nevada premises liability law and the claims process. This includes communicating with the insurance company and, if necessary, pursuing the case in court. While having a lawyer by your side offers peace of mind, knowing the answers to key questions can also provide clarity.

What types of damages can you claim after a slip and fall accident?

To claim damages after a slip and fall accident, you must first establish that you have suffered injuries as a result. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries and the extent of your insurance coverage. However, most individuals claim the following:

1. Medical expenses incurred due to the accident.
2. Pain and suffering, including the inability to participate in activities that were once enjoyable.
3. Lost wages resulting from missed work time.
4. Lost earning potential if your slip and fall accident permanently prevents you from returning to your previous employment.

Who is responsible for your injuries?

In a slip and fall accident, it is generally assumed that the owner of the premises where the incident occurred bears responsibility for your injuries. However, your lawyer will investigate several key factors to determine liability. These may include:

1. Whether the premises owner failed to adequately maintain the area, such as neglecting repairs to flooring or the sidewalk outside the premises.
2. Whether the premises owner provided reasonable safety precautions, such as installing handrails and guardrails as required by OSHA, and ensuring the presence of wet floor signs after cleaning.
3. Whether employees promptly cleaned up spills or removed trip hazards from the premises.
4. Whether you contributed in any way to your injury, such as engaging in reckless behavior or entering an area clearly marked for employees only. If you contributed to your accident, the insurance company may reduce your total compensation based on the percentage of responsibility assigned to you.

Will the insurance company contest the claim?

In some cases, personal injury claims progress smoothly with the insurance company. However, there are instances where the insurance company may try to challenge the claim. They often employ tactics to minimize their financial obligations, including:

1. Offering a quick settlement immediately after the accident, which fails to include all medical costs or adequately consider pain and suffering. Accepting this offer may prevent you from receiving compensation for future expenses.
2. Attempting to prove that your injuries existed before the slip and fall incident or were aggravated by a pre-existing condition.
3. Trying to establish that you caused your own injuries by entering a restricted area or engaging in reckless behavior.
4. Claiming that you exaggerated your injuries or that their impact on your life is less severe than you state. They may even attempt to gather evidence of you participating in activities that your injuries should theoretically prevent.