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Slip and Fall: Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

  • By Admin
  • 07 Sep, 2023
Male Driver Devastated From Car And Scooter Crash With Female - Reno, NV - Erwin & Thompson LLP
Should you hire a lawyer after a slip and fall accident? Even though a simple slip or fall may seem minor, injuries from these types of accidents can cause serious problems down the road. If you're not sure whether you should hire a lawyer or not, take a look at why you might want to contact an attorney and the top reasons to seek legal help.

Does Every Slip and Fall Require Legal Help?

Simply stated—no. There's no requirement to contact a lawyer after a slip and fall accident. But this doesn't mean you won't want to consult with an attorney. Even though you might not think that you have a case, your injury may not feel debilitating, or you may not have severe pain, you may still have legal options.

This makes it important to at least speak with an attorney before you abandon the idea of legal representation after a slip and fall injury.

Can You Pursue a Slip and Fall Claim Yourself?

While the answer to this question is technically yes, the better question is—should you pursue a slip and fall claim yourself? According to the Self-Represented Litigation Network (SRLN), a reported 75 percent of all court cases (not just personal injury) have at least one self-represented party. This statistic shows that it is possible to represent yourself in a case—including one that will go to court.

Even though it is possible to pursue your own slip and fall claim, this option won't always get you the best outcome. The legal system isn't easy for a novice to navigate. A quick Internet search may return results on steps to filing a personal injury claim or a how-to after a slip and fall. But these types of articles and instructional videos don't take the place of in-person legal advice from a state-licensed attorney.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?

There isn't one universal reason to hire a lawyer after a slip and fall. You may have different needs than someone else who is the victim of a personal injury. Some of the top reasons to contact and consult with an attorney for a personal injury case include benefits such as:

  • Extensive experience. An attorney who specializes in personal injury has years of experience handling slip and fall types of cases. They can use this experience to help you navigate the legal system and get the best outcome possible.
  • Extensive training. Lawyers must complete four years of college and three years of full-time law school before they are ready to work. This training provides a legal professional with a strong base to argue your case.
  • Time savings. Do you have extra time to research the local personal injury laws, contact medical experts, review documents, and talk to insurance adjusters? An attorney can handle these aspects of the case and more.
  • Calculation of damages. Will the person responsible for your injury only pay doctor's bills? Do you deserve additional financial help to pay for other types of compensation? An attorney has the knowledge to calculate damages for you.
  • Ability to go to trial. Yes, you could represent in court. But it isn't advisable. If your case must go to court, a state-licensed lawyer can represent you and your best interests.
Along with these benefits of hiring a personal injury professional, an attorney may know of alternative ways to reach a settlement without going to court. These could include arbitration and mediation.

Did you or a loved one recently have a slip and fall accident? Do you want to consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury law? Contact the office of Frank W. Thompson Attorney At Law Erwin & Thompson LLP for more information.

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