Slip and fall accidents are incredibly common and incredibly costly. In fact, in 2015 alone, the cost of medical treatments related to falls came to more than $50 billion.
While some of those falls happen at home, a good number of them happen when you’re out and about. If you fall and hurt yourself away from your house, you may need to consult with a slip and fall lawyer.
But finding the right lawyer to represent your case can be daunting. Here are a few simple tips to help you find an attorney you can trust.
Ask the People You Trust
If you’re injured in a slip and fall accident, the sooner you can get started with your case, the sooner you’ll be able to get back to normal. This means you’ll need to start looking for an attorney immediately.
The best place to start looking is with the people you know and trust. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations. If they’ve never worked with a slip and fall attorney, they can ask their network for recommendations.
If no one you know can help you find an attorney, start searching online for professionals in your area. Remember, you need to choose an attorney that’s in a location that works for you. The last thing you want to do is choose someone that you can’t meet with regularly because they’re too far away.
Research Their Reputations
Once you have a few names, start researching their reputation online before you make your first appointment for a consultation.
Check online reviews and see what others have to say. If multiple reviews mention the same types of issues or concerns, proceed with caution. But if most reviews are positive, it may be worth contacting the law firm.
You can also check each attorney’s standing with the local bar association. If they’re in good standing, feel free to schedule a consultation. If there’s no record of them with the state bar association, keep looking.
Look for a Slip and Fall Lawyer That Works on Contingency
According to the experts at Hach & Rose, LLP, reputable slip and fall attorneys won’t charge you up-front fees for their services. Instead, they work on contingency.
This means they only charge a fee for their services if they win your case. In most cases, this amount will come as a percentage of the settlement you receive.
The fees get deducted from that settlement amount, but you get to keep the rest.
Don’t worry. You’ll know how high that percentage is before you agree to work with them. If the attorney you’re speaking with won’t disclose their fees, walk away.
Schedule a Consultation
You’ll need to meet with every attorney you’re interested in working with. This will give you a chance to get to know them and make sure you’re comfortable with the people who will handle your case.
During the consultation, ask questions and pay attention to the way they interact with you. Ideally, the attorney will ask you questions about your injuries and your case rather than expecting you to tell them everything without prompting.
The experience should feel more like a detailed conversation. If it doesn’t, don’t work with them.
Remember, consultations should always be free. If an attorney charges for a consultation, keep looking.
Make Sure They’ve Represented Cases Like Yours
The best slip and fall lawyer is one that’s represented cases like yours in the past. These attorneys have experience and know what types of arguments work.
Before you agree to work with an attorney, make sure they’ve represented clients with cases and injuries like yours. They don’t have to give any details about the case, but the answer should always be “yes.”
If an attorney doesn’t have enough experience, proceed with caution. They may be able to represent your case well, but without a proven track record, it’s hard to have confidence in their abilities.
Make Sure They Have Time for You
The right slip and fall injury lawyer should make you feel like a priority, not an inconvenience. If they have too many clients at any given time, you may end up feeling like you don’t matter.
Worse, they won’t have the time needed to devote their attention to your case.
Before you agree to work with an attorney, make sure they have time for your case. They should be willing to return your calls and answer your questions quickly anytime you have them.
Ask them how they’ll respond to your concerns while they’re representing your case. If you’re not comfortable with the way they’ll communicate with you or feel worried about how long it will take to get a response, keep looking.
If an attorney doesn’t have time for you, they don’t deserve to represent your case.
Choose Someone You’re Comfortable With
Above all, you need to choose an attorney that you’re comfortable working with. If you find their demeanor off-putting or have concerns about their experience, you won’t want to share the details of your case and your recovery with them.
Remember, your attorney is your advocate. They need to have access to all the relevant information about your case as long as they’re working for you.
Don’t worry—if you’re not comfortable with the first attorney you meet, keep looking. It may take time, but you’ll find someone you can trust to represent your lawsuit case.
Final Thoughts On Slip And Fall Lawyers
Getting injured in a slip and fall accident is both physically and financially painful. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need as soon as possible. Use these tips to find a slip and fall lawyer to represent your case and get you the best lawsuit settlement you deserve.
The sooner you start your slip and fall lawsuit, the easier your recovery will be. For more helpful tips on getting back on your feet with an attorney at your side, check out our latest financial and legal posts.
