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1 800 HURT 511

What to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

In case you’ve been involved into a car accident, suffered bodily harm, property damage, and your mind is reeling with unanswered questions like “what to do now” — it’s probably time to call a personal injury lawyer.

However, there is still a question: what should you ask attorneys before hiring them to represent you? In this guide, we’ll explain just that, so keep on reading.

But first things first. As you may already know, it’s crucial to choose right accident injury attorney to represent you in your accident case and to ensure that they will work for your interests.

You need to find a lawyer who won’t be interested in quick and easy settlements. Instead, you need to find a legal professional who will work to your advantage in an effort to maximize your settlement.

Find Qualified Accident Lawyer

Even though an accident lawyer who is not qualified to represent you may charge the same fee as one who is, you have to be able to differ one from another, as self-serving lawyers settle cases quickly and cheaply. Since lawyers can earn a lot of money with little effort, they tend to follow this strategy, but it may not always be in your best interest.

You should ask the attorney if he or she is ready to go to trial if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation. Insurance companies tend to settle for lower amounts if they know that this particular lawyer or law firm won’t take things to court.

Check Lawyers’ Areas of Expertise

Ask accident injury attorneys about their areas of expertise when you speak with them. If the attorneys’ main areas of practice are family law or corporate law, they likely lack the necessary expertise to handle your personal injury case. Your accident attorneys should specialize in the area of personal injury. If you want good legal representation, you need a lawyer who has dealt with cases like yours before. Be sure that insurance companies hire attorneys with specialized knowledge in personal injury claims.

It is also critical to hire accident lawyers who are familiar with the legal landscape in your geographic area. Make sure they have a good track record of winning cases against insurance companies and receiving fair settlements.

Ask the Firm about Approach to Communication

Attorneys who specialize in personal injury matters have staff members, paralegals, and other professionals working for them in the office. Different people handle various aspects of the case as the personal injury lawyer you hire probably handles a number of cases in addition to yours. Specify who will be your contact person. While you don’t want to bother your legal team five times a day, it’s fair for you to ask questions and call for updates.

As mentioned earlier, most lawsuits are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties, so you may wonder if you will be able to get a jury trial if you bring a claim against the other party in your accident. If your case goes to trial, you should make sure your accident injury lawyers have the required experience.

As Long as You Pay the Money, You Are the Boss

You hire an accident attorney to represent you against the insurance company of the other driver in the event of an accident, and you need them to handle the complex legal procedures.

You need to make sure that your personal injury lawyer will examine the statements of witnesses, the police report, and medical records as well as will take the time to understand how you interpret the events and make sure you receive the right medical treatment.

Ask questions to verify their involvement level meets your requirements.

First Thing Lawyer Should Do

Although you were present at the accident and witnessed it, you realize that the evidence clearly shows the other party was at fault. It is natural that not everyone will share the same perspective. It is important that your accident injury lawyer looks at your case objectively and tells you what it has both good and bad points.

A good accident lawyer should be able to tell you how likely you are to win compensation, whether or not you should pursue your case, and how to do so.

Attorney Associated Costs

The costs associated with hiring accident injury attorneys should be clear to you. The majority of accident injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. As a result, you only have to pay their fees if they are successful in getting compensation for the harm caused by the accident.

Ask your accident injury attorney about the details of their fee structure and the timeline of the process.

Do I have to pay the lawyer if I lose?

As already mentioned, accident injury attorneys typically work on a contingency basis. Therefore, lawyers are only compensated if your case is successful.

Accident lawyers frequently do not receive payment for expenses, including document retrieval fees, filing fees, costs associated with hiring experts, and court reporter fees. In the event that your case is unsuccessful, you would be liable for such expenses.

Sometimes, accident attorneys claim that they do not have to charge fees if your case is unsuccessful. Before hiring accident attorneys, be sure to get this clear and in writing.

If you or your loved ones suffer consequences of car accident but can’t reach fair settlement on their own, we are here to help. Contact us now at 1-800-HURT-511 to receive a free case evaluation from one of our personal injury lawyers. We provide free consultations for individuals and their families in NYC whose lives have been impacted by a car accident. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

How To Get Compensation for Psychological Injury

When someone gets injured in an accident, it often results in various injuries. But not all injuries are physical; sometimes the accident may result in psychological conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, anguish, fearfulness, issues with sleep, reoccurring nightmares about the crash and more. If someone else caused an accident that left you with a psychological injury, you may be able to sue for money. A personal injury lawyer will help you understand what your options are and will provide you with necessary assistance to prove a psychological injury.

What does “psychological injury” mean?

A psychological injury is a mental or psychiatric problem that starts after a traumatic event. The condition is severe enough that it makes it hard for the person to do regular stuff at home and at work. Most of the time, psychological injuries are caused by traumatic events that come out of the blue and catch the person off guard. This makes the person feel like they have lost control over the situation.

Symptoms of psychological injuries

Most people will feel scared, angry, and out of control after a traumatic event. However, many of these feelings disappear over time. If someone has a psychological injury because of a traumatic event, the symptoms may get worse over time and can lead to a chain reaction of problems, with suicide being one of the worst. If you are having any of the following signs of a mental injury, you should talk to your doctor or a psychotherapist.

  • Thoughts or images of the event that keep coming back to you.
  • Insomnia or nightmares.
  • I have difficulty focusing.
  • Mood swings
  • Disorientation
  • extreme fatigue.
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • being very alert and always looking for something bad to happen.
  • Anxiety
  • Obsessive or compulsive behaviors.
  • Detachment from people and emotions
  • Guilt or shame, especially if someone else didn’t make it through the traumatic event and the person did.

How to treat psychological injuries?

Psychological injuries, which are also called “emotional trauma,” are often treated by a professional in mental health care. Some of the best treatments combine psychotherapy with other things like short writing assignments or field trips that force the person to face the trauma and learn new ways to deal with it. Psychological trauma can lead to temporary disability and loss of income. Hire a personal injury lawyer to obtain compensation for your losses. Therapists may prescribe medications to treat emotional trauma. These medications often help the person feel calm and help them sleep, which are both important parts of getting better after trauma. Since the symptoms of emotional trauma are often the same as or related to those of depression or anxiety, many of the same medications that are prescribed for those conditions are also used to treat psychological injuries.

What happens if a psychological injury is not treated? 

Just like physical injuries, psychological injuries need to be treated by someone who knows what they are doing. It’s unfortunate that not everyone who suffers from psychological problems gets the help they need. Failure to seek appropriate psychiatric care following a traumatic event might have serious consequences.
The human mind has powerful defense mechanisms. An escape strategy is the most basic stress defense strategy. This mechanism, if not handled properly, can lead to the formation of many different harmful habits, such as drug or alcohol addiction. Such negative habits simply have a short-term impact and just offer the illusion of resolving the problem. In actuality, the issue is just growing.

Without professional help, psychological trauma does not allow for building and maintaining healthy relationships. The desire of the psyche to draw attention away from the traumatic experience can lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as speeding, cutting, or excessive gambling. Over time, these injuries cause clinical depression and suicidal thoughts and feelings.

How do I obtain compensation for my physical injury? 

If someone else’s reckless or careless actions caused a traumatic physical injury or event that left you with a psychological injury, you may be able to get money to cover the costs and effects of your injury through a personal injury lawsuit. it was someone else’s fault and to show the court the expenses and changes in your quality of life. You need a personal injury lawyer to obtain compensation for your injury.
The personal injury claims process lets a person get money for both financial and non-financial damages after getting hurt because of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness. The term “damages” refers to a payment made in compensation for harm.

Economic damage refers to the funds you receive to cover the costs you incurred as a result of your injury.

Damages that aren’t related to money are paid to make up for how an injury has changed your quality of life. These are often called “pain and suffering damages” because physical and emotional pain and suffering are the most common types of non-economic compensation asked for in personal injury claims.
Psychological injuries can definitely lead to claims for pain and suffering and emotional distress, which are not related to financial compensation.

How much compensation should I expect for my psychological injury?

There is no “average” amount one can receive for a personal injury because the compensation awarded in each instance depends on its unique circumstances.

The value of your case depends on these factors:

  • The total amount of money you have spent or are likely to spend because of your accident.
  • The worse your injury, the more you can claim for non-economic damage.
  • The value of your case is found by adding up all of the economic damages and all of the other damages.

What help does a personal injury attorney provide?

Psychological injuries are horrible and can affect not only the person who has them but also their family and any other nearby people. If you got hurt in an accident because someone else was careless or reckless, or because they did something to hurt you on purpose, like assault or abuse, you should get paid for the physical and mental pain you went through. A personal injury lawyer with extensive experience has a comprehensive understanding of this type of injury and the impact it can have on your quality of life.

We are here to help obtain full compensation for your psychological injury in the Bronx accident! Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-HURT-511 today. Remember, we work on contingency, which means you don’t pay unless we win the case.

Slip and Fall Lawyer Cases FAQ

Slip and Fall Lawyer FAQ

Slip and fall injuries happen every day, and they happen in a variety of locations. And since slip and fall accidents are unfortunately common, a lot of individuals have questions about these, especially after being involved in one. Below, some of the frequently asked questions we’ve gotten over many years of representing slip and fall accident victims are answered.

Call 1-800-HURT-511 to speak with one of our highly qualified and experienced slip and fall accident lawyers in Brooklyn. We’ll help you file a claim so you can properly seek damages from the party that’s responsible for your injuries. We’ve helped individuals in and around the Five Boroughs, and we’ll help you.

 

Why Do Slip And Fall Accidents Occur?

A variety of factors can lead to a slip and fall lawyer accident, including:

  • Wet and slippery floors
  • Clutter
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Narrow space
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Uneven steps
  • Sudden unmarked slopes
  • Defective surfaces (carpets, floors, sidewalks, etc.)
  • Ice and snow

Some hazards are unavoidable while others are hard to detect without proper warning. This is why property owners are supposed to maintain their properties and properly mark any hazards that arise.

How Often Do Slip And Fall Accidents Occur?

It’s been found that close to 9 million individuals are injured as a result of slip and fall accidents each year. While some of these accidents result in minor injuries, others can result in serious injuries and even death. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 2014 saw slip and fall accidents claim the lives of 32,000 people. It’s hard to believe, but slip and fall accidents are the third leading cause of death behind car accidents and overdoses. And various life-altering injuries can result from slip and fall accidents, like paralysis, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or an injury that necessitates amputation.

Should Medical Attention Be Sought Immediately After A Slip And Fall Accident?

The first thing a slip and fall accident victim should do in the wake of an accident is seek professional medical attention. Doing this right away is important for a variety of reasons. First, if you’ve been significantly injured, seeking immediate medical attention may prevent your injuries from getting worse.

Also, injuries sustained from a slip and fall lawyer don’t always present right away, and one may experience fall-related injuries weeks or months after an accident has occurred. This is another reason why it’s incredibly important to seek medical attention right away. A physician will be able to identify the signs that indicate delayed injuries, and they’ll be able to document these so there’s a record linking the injuries to the accident.

What Are Common Slip And Fall Accident Injuries?

A variety of injuries can result from slip and fall cases, and the common ones are listed below:

  • Fractures
  • Sprains
  • Back & neck injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Cuts & lacerations
  • Broken pelvis
  • Knee injuries
  • Dislocations
  • Herniations

What Damages Can Be Sought In A Slip And Fall Case?

An injured individual is likely to be saddled with a range of expenses after a slip and fall accident, and if it’s proven that another person’s negligence is what caused the accident, the injured individual will likely be able to recover damages for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of past & future wages
  • Long-term disability
  • Pain & suffering
  • Loss of life enjoyment
  • Disfigurement

Who’s Liable In A Slip And Fall Case?

Slip and fall cases are in the realm of premises liability law. According to this doctrine, property owners are responsible for maintaining their properties so they’re in good condition and free of hazards. Once a property owner becomes aware of a hazard, they need to address this immediately.

In order for a property owner to be held liable for a slip and fall accident victim’s injuries, it must be proven that the property owner did not fulfill their duties. It must be shown that the property owner either knew about the hazard or should’ve known about the hazard, and that they didn’t do anything to remedy the hazard or warn of its presence.

For example, if you’re at a store and there’s a ceiling leak causing a puddle on the floor—and the leak cannot be addressed right away—there needs to be a wet floor sign so shoppers know the floor is wet. If a shopper slips on the marked puddle, it’s likely the store owner would not be held liable.

Do Slip And Fall Cases End Up In Court?

Most slip and fall cases are settled out of court, in large part because going to court makes the process more costly for all parties involved and can also elongate the process quite significantly. That being said, a recent estimate found that only 5% of slip and fall cases go to trial. But when millions of slip and fall cases happen in a year, that percentage can actually equate to quite a lot of cases. When a slip and fall case does go to court, it’s here where having a slip and fall lawyer with trial experience on your team is valuable. It’s even better if your lawyer belongs to national trial lawyer associations and has received awards for their litigation skills.

What Arguments Do Defendants Raise In Slip And Fall Cases?

All lawsuits involve a plaintiff and a defendant. And when one individual brings a slip and fall lawsuit against another, it’s likely the accused party will deny the accusation, making use of one or more of the following defenses:

  • Plaintiff took unreasonable risks which put themselves in danger at the property.
  • Plaintiff was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the accident occurred.

A property owner might cite many more defenses, especially if they have professional legal representation.

How Can Video Footage Help In A Slip And Fall Lawsuit?

A video may serve as a valuable piece of evidence. Say, for example, a slip and fall accident victim is claiming that they sustained a serious brain injury as a result of the accident. If there’s a video which shows their head making a sudden and forceful impact with a hard service—i.e. concrete, metal, hardwood floor—the video may go a long way in proving the validity of the claim.

Is Hiring A Slip And Fall Lawyer Worth It?

There are so many reasons why getting help from a slip and fall accident lawyer in Queens after you’ve been injured in one of these accidents is a good move. To learn more about these reasons, call us at 1-800-HURT-511. We’ll tell you all about our track record of success, and we’ll make sure you feel comfortable and listened to when you discuss your situation with us.

Construction & Sidewalk Accident Lawyer FAQ

Construction sites are popping up all the time, especially in New York’s Five Boroughs. And with more development comes more foot traffic, and such is why more sidewalks are going in. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident or a sidewalk accident, it’s likely you have many questions. Read through this FAQ to get your questions answered.

Call us at 1-800-HURT-511 when you need to hire a construction and sidewalk accident lawyer. We represent clients throughout the Five Boroughs, and for more than a decade we’ve been securing favorable judgments for injured individuals.

 

Who’s Liable For Paying Damages When A Construction Accident Occurs?

The answer here largely depends on what the injured individual’s capacity was at the time they got injured at the construction site. If they got injured as an employee of the developer or general contractor, then the injury will likely be covered by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. However, if the individual was not an employee at the time they got injured at or near the construction site, they could sue the site developer and/or the general contractor directly for damages.

Can You File A Lawsuit And Still Collect Workers’ Compensation?

Even if you’re collecting workers’ compensation benefits for an injury that’s work-related, you can still sue other parties that bear fault in causing the accident that injured you. Just keep in mind that you may have to give back some or all of your workers’ compensation benefits if you recover damages from other parties.

Can A Pedestrian Sue If They Get Injured While Walking By A Construction Site?

Say you trip and fall over a piece of construction site debris, you’re hit by a truck that’s leaving a construction site, or you’re struck by a falling tool. In all of these instances, it’s very likely injuries will be a result. And if you do get injured as a pedestrian, it’s likely you’ll sue the site developer, the general contractor, and possibly some subcontractors, as all these parties will probably bear some responsibility. Site developers and general contractors are expected to keep their construction sites safe. Even if the injured individual is an uninvited guest of the site at the time of the injury occurring, the parties above may still be liable for paying damages.

What Are Damages Used To Cover In Construction Accident Cases?

Damages from a construction site accident case are used to cover a variety of expenses. Past and future medical bills are big expenses for accident victims, and accident victims tend to be compensated for lost wages both past and future. A victim may also be compensated for experiencing pain and suffering, and punitive damages may even be awarded if it’s determined that there was significant negligence. If a construction site accident victim dies as a result of their injuries, their family is entitled to seek damages on their behalf.

Is There A Statute Of Limitations For Construction Accident Cases?

Once an accident that results in injury occurs, the injured individual has two years from that time to file a lawsuit. This is also the window of time that’s afforded to accident victims’ families when an accident victim has succumb to their injuries. It’s possible to get this window of time extended, but extensions are rare. And if a public entity is going to be the defendant in a lawsuit, the lawsuit must be filed within six months of the injury occurring.

Should I Hire A Construction Accident Lawyer?

Construction site accident victims often hire a lawyer so they don’t have to navigate the hoops and hurdles of a lawsuit alone. Also, a lawyer will make sure their client is asking for full and fair compensation, and if they’re especially skilled and experienced, they’ll know which expert witnesses to call. A construction site accident lawyer will conduct extensive evidence gathering too so they can prove thoroughly the injury their client sustained was the result of someone else’s negligence.

Why Do Sidewalk Accidents Happen?

A variety of factors can cause a sidewalk accident, including:

  • Cracks
  • Holes
  • Loose bricks
  • Uneven slabs
  • Snow & ice
  • Puddles
  • Loose grates & manhole covers
  • Tree roots
  • Debris

Who’s At Fault In A Sidewalk Accident Case?

Sidewalk accident cases are in the realm of premises liability law. According to this doctrine, the party that’s responsible for maintaining the sidewalk is liable for paying damages if another party gets injured while using it. Most sidewalks are publicly owned, but there are plenty of private sidewalks out there. But many municipalities throughout the U.S. are shielded from sidewalk-related injury lawsuits because of laws that have been enacted.

What Are Common Sidewalk Accident Injuries?

A variety of injuries can result from a sidewalk accident. The extent of one’s injuries is often determined by the force at which they fell and the material the sidewalk is made out of. Below are some common sidewalk accident injuries:

  • Fractures
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • A broken pelvis
  • Wrist & ankle sprains
  • A traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Cuts and abrasions
  • Herniations
  • Spine and neck injuries
  • Dislocations
  • Knee damage

How Much Do Sidewalk Accident Victims Typically Receive?

Sidewalk accidents are often classified as slip and fall accidents, and an injured individual can get anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 in damages if their injury was caused by another’s negligence. If injuries are severe and, for example, routine medical care will be needed for the rest of the victim’s life, they may receive a lot more money.

Is Hiring A Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Worth It?

There are many reasons why hiring a sidewalk accident lawyer to represent you during a sidewalk accident lawsuit is a good move. A lawyer will know which parties bear responsibility, and they’ll also interact with other parties, other parties’ attorneys, witnesses, insurance companies, and court officers on behalf of their client. And if a case goes to trial, a lawyer will represent their client’s interests in court before a judge and jury. Plus, a lawyer will be able to determine a fair amount for damages after doing a thorough assessment of their client’s injuries.

Call 1-800-HURT-511 to speak with our lawyers right now. Whether you need a construction accident lawyer in Brooklyn or a sidewalk lawyer in Queens, we’ll have a highly skilled and experienced lawyer help you get the compensation you deserve.

Slip & Fall Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

Slip & Fall Lawyer FAQ

As leading slip and fall lawyers, we’ve been asked so many questions about slip and fall cases over the years. Below are some common and unique questions that you should know the answers to before you file a slip and fall lawsuit.

Call 1-800-HURT-511 to speak with our slip and fall lawyers. We’ve secured favorable judgments for slip and fall victims throughout the Five Boroughs, and we’ll make sure you get properly compensated for your injuries.

 

What Causes Individuals To Slip And Fall?

The following factors often cause individuals to slip and fall:

  • Wet and slippery floors
  • Ice and snow
  • Defective surfaces like torn carpet, broken tiles, and eroding steps
  • Poor lighting
  • Unmarked hazards
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Debris

Where Do Individuals Slip And Fall The Most (Outside Their Homes)?

Below are common locations where individuals may slip and fall:

  • Workplaces
  • Sidewalks
  • Apartment buildings
  • Private residences
  • Retail stores
  • Supermarkets
  • Theme parks
  • Concert venues
  • Sports stadiums
  • Government buildings
  • Subways
  • Construction sites
  • Public parks & trails

Who’s Liable In A Slip And Fall Case?

In the instance where an individual slips, falls, and gets injured while on another’s property, it’s often the owner of the property where the injury occurred who’s held liable for damages. All slip and fall cases fall under an area of law known as premises liability. Under this doctrine, a property owner is expected to prevent against foreseeable accidents, and they’re also expected to keep their property in good condition.

If there are hazards present on the property, these must be properly marked. If an individual slips, falls, and gets injured at a property where they’re either a guest or someone conducting business, they may sue the property owner for negligence under premises liability law.

Which Injuries Are Common In Slip And Fall Cases?

While a variety of injuries can result from slipping and falling, the ones listed below are the most common:

  • Muscle tears & strains
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocations
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Sprains
  • Knee damage
  • A traumatic brain injury TBI)
  • Concussions
  • A broken pelvis

Can I Sue My Neighbor If I Slipped & Fell At Their Property?

If you were invited to somebody’s home as a guest, and you slipped and fell during your time there, you may be able to recover damages from the homeowner who invited you if certain conditions are met. Homeowners are responsible for telling their guests about any dangerous conditions that exist on their property, and a homeowner is also expected to keep the property in good condition (under premises liability law).

If, for example, a house guest is in the basement and they slip and fall because they stepped on a puddle that’s in front of a washer that the homeowner knows is prone to leaking, it’s likely the house guest would be able to successfully sue for damages because the homeowner did not take necessary steps to fix the problem, nor did they tell their guest about it.

What Happens If I Slipped And Fell At A Rental Property?

Slip and fall cases are often complex when they involve tenants and landlords. While landlords are responsible for maintaining their properties, there are instances where a renter’s negligence creates the hazardous condition which caused them to slip and fall. A renter may also fail to make a hazard known to their landlord in a timely manner, and in this instance the landlord wouldn’t be liable if the hazard ended up injuring the renter.

If you’re renting in Brooklyn and you believe a recent fall was because of your landlord’s negligence, contact our slip and fall lawyers in Brooklyn immediately.

What Do I Do If I Slipped And Fell At Work?

If you slip, fall, and get injured at your workplace or in the course of performing work responsibilities, then it’s likely you’ll be compensated for your injuries through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Not all employers, however, are required to carry this insurance, and not all slip and fall accidents are covered. For example, if you slipped and fell while horsing around with one of your coworkers, your injuries will not be covered. The same goes for those who slip and fall on the job while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

How Do You Sue A Store Where You Slipped And Fell?

Under premises liability law, store owners are responsible for keeping their properties safe for their customers and employees. Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure there are no dangerous conditions, and if dangerous conditions are found, these must be marked properly so customers and employees steer clear.

For example, if you’re at the local pharmacy and you slip on a puddle of spilled medicine—and it seems the substance had been there for awhile and there was no warning indicating the danger—a court may find that the hazard could’ve been corrected, in which case the store owner would be obligated to pay you damages.

Can I Sue If I Slipped In A Parking Lot Because Of Ice?

In most states, property owners aren’t required to deal with ice and snow accumulation. However, there are instances where abnormal ice and snow accumulation lead to slip and fall injuries, and in these instances it’s typically found that property owners should’ve done something to mitigate the ice and snow accumulation. Moreover, if a property owner is contractually obligated to provide ice and snow removal services for their tenants, they must do an adequate job, or else they risk being held liable for a slip and fall injury.

Do Slip And Fall Cases Involve Building Code Violations?

If a property owner violated local codes and these violations led to an individual slipping, falling, and getting hurt on the property, the building owner will most likely be help liable for not keeping their property up to code. For example, if local code mandates that all exterior steps must have handrails, and a guest slips on your steps and there aren’t any handrails present, the injured party may cite the code violation (the handrails being absent) as the reason why they slipped and fell.

Should I Hire A Lawyer After I Slip And Fall?

There are many reasons why hiring a lawyer is a good move after you’ve been injured from slipping and falling at somebody else’s property. A qualified and experienced slip and fall lawyer will navigate the legal process on your behalf, and they’ll make sure all fault-bearing parties are sued for damages. They’ll also make sure you demand fair compensation, and should your case go to trial, they’ll be able to represent your interests in court in front of a judge and jury.

Call the Sanders Law Firm now at 1-800-HURT-511 to speak with our highly sought after slip and fall lawyers. Whether you’re in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or NYC, we’ll represent you.

Everything You Need to Know About Slip and Fall Cases

Trusted Slip And Fall Lawyer In Brooklyn

A slip and fall claim is a kind of premises liability claim. An individual can slip and fall virtually anywhere, and a variety of factors can cause one to slip and fall, including damaged carpeting, unexpected flooring changes, inadequate lighting, narrow stairs, and wet floors. When an individual slips and falls—and as a result they get injured—it’s likely that somebody else’s negligence was involved. In numerous cases, it’s the owner of the property where the injury occurred who’s held liable.

Private citizens aren’t the only entities that can be sued in slip and fall cases. Businesses and government entities can be sued as well. But compensation must be pursued soon after the incident occurs, otherwise it may be harder for the claimant to prove their case. And when a claimant needs assistance with filing a claim or defending their position in court, it’s here where a slip and fall lawyer can be an invaluable asset.

Call 1-800-HURT-511 to get in touch with an expert slip and fall lawyer in Brooklyn. For years, the Sanders Law Firm has been securing judgments for its clients, and we’re the professionals to call when you need your interests protected in court.

 

What Is a Slip and Fall Case?

Say, for example, you’re walking through a grocery store when suddenly and unexpectedly you slip on a puddle of water. If there’s no wet floor sign in sight, it’s likely you could bring a case against the grocery store and win. This is because the grocery store’s staff did not properly mark the wet floor. Had they done so, you wouldn’t have slipped and fallen. Now, their negligence has caused you to get injured, and you should be compensated for all consequences of that injury.

But is the owner of a property automatically at fault when someone slips, falls, and gets hurt on their property? No, and determining responsibility can be tricky in slip and fall cases sometimes.

How Is Responsibility Determined in a Slip and Fall Case?

If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, the owner of the property is not necessarily at fault. Liability is determined on a case by case basis, and in a slip and fall case, a plaintiff must show that the defendant did not take reasonable measures that could’ve prevented their fall. In most cases, negligence is to blame, but sometimes maliciousness can be the cause of dangerous conditions also.

It must be proven that the owner of the property knew of the dangerous condition and didn’t take appropriate steps to remedy it. Also, if there was no way for the injured party to anticipate the hazard, they can’t be held responsible for their own injury. This latter point implies that individuals are aware of certain obvious dangers every day, and that they take necessary measures to avoid these dangers. In order for a property owner to be held liable for injuries someone sustained on their property, the following factors must be established:

  • → The property owner created the hazardous condition;
  • → The property owner knew of the condition and didn’t act properly to fix it;
  • → The problem existed for a long time before the slip and fall incident happened, and therefore the property owner should’ve known about it and addressed it.

 

Establishing responsibility is the most important part of a slip and fall case. Once responsibility has been placed, it’s just a matter of figuring out an appropriate compensation amount.

Who Can Get Sued for Damages in a Slip and Fall Case?

The type of property in which you slip and fall plays a big role in determining liability. For example, if you slip in a commercial property, different factors need to be established then if you slipped and fell in a residential property. But commercial property owners, residential property owners, and government entities all must ensure their properties are hazard-free. And if a property owner is made aware of hazards, they must address these in a timely manner.

Slip and fall case defendants are often commercial businesses, mainly because businesses deal with a lot of individuals on a daily basis. When there’s more human interaction, it’s more likely that a hazardous situation will spring up. Moreover, it’s hard to prevent every hazardous situation, just as it’s hard to immediately remedy every hazardous situation that manifests.

What Should You Do When You Think You Have a Slip and Fall Case?

If you believe that the injury you sustained from slipping and falling is the result of somebody else’s negligence, the first thing you should do is report the incident to the owner of the property. Next, you should take pictures of the scene, as this way you have documented evidence of the conditions that made you fall. You should also write a detailed account of the event soon after it happens.

Another important step is preserving everything you wore when you slipped and fell. Also, don’t take responsibility if you’re prompted to do so. Lastly, avoid interactions with the property owner, witnesses, employees, and insurance company representatives, and reach out to a trusted attorney.

What Is the Average Award Size in a Slip and Fall Case?

Slip and fall case settlements are usually between $10,000 and $50,000. The compensation is awarded to address medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Some slip and fall case settlements are even higher, and having an attorney who can determine how much damages are worth plays a big role.

What Does a Slip and Fall Lawyer Do?

An experienced slip and fall lawyer in Brooklyn will be able to prove their client’s injuries were the result of negligence on the part of the property owner, and they’ll also be able to come up with a fair and accurate compensation amount. Moreover, an attorney will deal with all the headache-inducing tasks for their client, and this assistance is invaluable to those who’ve been injured in slip and fall cases.

Trusted Slip And Fall Lawyer In Brooklyn

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How Slip & Fall Cases and Construction Accident Cases Are Related

Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens

Accidents happen every day, and an unfortunate truth of life is that accidents are unavoidable. In some instances, accidents aren’t a big deal, but in other instances an accident can lead to a disastrous event, one that results in many injuries and extensive damage.

As far as construction sites are concerned, many accidents that happen in or around these result in injury, property damage, and death. After all, there’s heavy machinery everywhere, individuals working at high elevations, frequent exposure to dangerous materials—with all these hazards present, it’s only a matter of time before an accident happens.

Many kinds of accidents happen in or around construction sites, but one of the most common accidents is an individual slipping and falling. Of course slip and fall accidents don’t just happen at construction sites, but with materials, tools, liquids, and other things strewn all over the place at construction sites, it’s much easier for someone to slip and fall at a construction site.

So how does an injured party seek compensation after they get hurt at a construction site? Does a construction site worker have to pursue a special process to seek compensation? What if an injury is construction-site related but the event which caused it didn’t happen inside the site? An experienced and skilled construction accident lawyer, one who knows the ins and outs of slip and fall cases, will be able to answer these questions.

Call 1 800 HURT 511 if you’ve been injured in a construction site accident. Our construction accident lawyers in Queens are also slip and fall case experts, so they’ll be able to help you navigate the complexities of a slip and fall case, whether it was related to a construction site or not.

 

Do Construction Site Workers Slip and Fall?

According to OSHA, slip and fall accidents claimed the lives of more than 300 construction workers in 2018, and what’s even more unfortunate is that the vast majority of these deaths could’ve been prevented. It’s an unfortunate reality, but many construction site workers are not properly trained. Also, a lot of sites are without proper fall-prevention equipment.

For these reasons as well as others, construction site workers are especially prone to slipping and falling. And in a lot of cases, when a construction worker slips and falls, the surface that’ll break their fall is hundreds, if not thousands, of feet below them.

Construction site slip and fall accidents can often be broken down into two categories:

Same-Level Falls: Falls of this nature usually result in minor injuries, like cuts, bruises, muscle strains, and minor concussions.

Falling to a Lower Level: Falls of this nature can be a lot more severe, and many of them are even fatal. The larger the distance one falls, the greater their injuries will be.

 

Does a Construction Site Create Hazards?

While working at a construction site, a construction worker will face a range of hazards, whether they’re working on the ground floor, on scaffolding, or several stories in the air. Since there are hazards everywhere at a construction site, workers need to be especially cautious, though some accidents happen regardless of how cautious workers are. Here are some of the hazards that lead to slip and fall accidents at construction sites:

  • Uneven surfaces
  • Worn or uneven carpeting
  • Loose or damaged floorboards
  • Wet floors and floors that have been recently waxed or polished
  • Strewn debris and materials
  • Cords and electrical wiring
  • Scattered tools
  • Handrails that are broken or defective
  • Insufficient lighting

 

Are Construction Accident Injuries and Slip & Fall Injuries Similar?

Not all accidents that happen at construction sites are the result of slipping and falling. However, when a construction worker slips and falls at a site, it’s likely they’ll sustain injuries that an individual who slips and falls outside of a construction site would sustain.

Again, what separates construction-related slip and fall accidents from non-construction slip and fall accidents is the degree of severity. Because construction site workers are exposed to more hazards, there’s a greater chance that their injuries from a slip and fall accident will be more severe. Still, there are plenty of non-construction slip and fall accidents that result in a fatality. One might even lose their life by slipping and falling on a concrete sidewalk.

 

Are Construction Accident Lawyers Slip & Fall Accident Experts as Well?

Since a great number of construction accidents are caused by slipping and falling, a construction accident lawyer must understand the nature of slip and fall accidents. An experienced and skilled construction accident lawyer will know which hazards are likely to cause a slip and fall accident at a construction site, and they’ll also be able to accurately depict the extent of one’s injuries. Moreover, a construction accident lawyer will know who bears responsibility for the accident, so they’ll be able to pursue compensation from the appropriate parties.

 

Are the Construction Accident and Slip & Fall Claim Processes Similar?

A major difference between construction-related slip and fall accidents and slip and fall accidents that happen outside of a construction site is that usually construction site workers are covered by workers’ compensation. Therefore, if a worker gets injured because they slipped and fell, they won’t be able to sue their employer. Rather, they’ll be compensated by their employer’s insurance company.

However, there are instances when an accident is not covered by workers’ compensation. For example, if a worker slips and falls at a site while being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they won’t be able to seek workers’ compensation.

In a non-construction slip and fall accident, a plaintiff would sue whoever owned the property on which they slipped and fell, and here they would be relying on premises liability.

 

Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Advised in either Instance

Whether your slip and fall accident happened at a construction site or outside one, it’s best to get in touch with a lawyer right away, as they’ll help you pursue compensation. Our slip and fall accident lawyers in Queens have been sought after for years, and we’ve secured hundreds of favorable judgments for our clients.

 

Call 1 800 HURT 511 when you need best-in-class legal representation!

Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens

  • Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens
  • Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens
  • Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens
  • Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens
  • Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens
  • Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens
  • Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens
  • Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens
  • Hire Construction & Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers In Queens
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