When to talk to an attorney after a slip and fall accident
A slip and fall accident can easily happen anywhere, on a city sidewalk, in a store aisle and on private or public property. In almost every situation the property owner has the legal responsibility to keep his or her premises safe from hazards, not only hazards are aware of but also the hazards that they should know about. In the event there is a slip and fall accident the visitor to the premises can either collect compensation from an insurance company or the visitor can hire a slip and fall accident attorney in Iowa City, IA and sue for damages.
Should you talk to an attorney?
If you have been the victim of a slip and fall accident and the injury you received as a result has cost you money or lost time, then it is a good idea to talk to an attorney. Most attorneys who handle personal injury cases offer a free initial consultation. If the attorney feels you have a valid case and you decide to pursue the case, then the attorney normally will take the case on a contingency basis.
A seasoned slip and fall accident attorney in Iowa City IA will know precisely what the property owners obligations are when it comes to maintaining the premises, keeping them safe and free from hazards. The attorney can act as your advocate when dealing with the defendant’s insurance company or taking the case to court.
An attorney can prove to be very beneficial in a slip and fall accident case. The success of your case will largely depend on the evidence which is available and the way your case is presented.
Evidence which will be crucial in a slip and fall lawsuit:
Whether you pursue your claim directly with the insurance company or go to court, getting and preserving evidence and proof of the cause of the accident is of paramount importance. You must gather as much evidence as you possibly can immediately after the accident occurs.
Pictures of the scene showing conditions as they were when you slipped and fell and if the conditions change, perhaps the spill is cleaned up or the ice melts then get pictures of this as well. If there were witnesses to the accident try to get them to give a statement as to what they saw happen, and make sure to get their contact information.
You must document your injuries, get copies of all medical records and keep a record of all medical expenses. Once you have hire a slip and fall accident attorney, keep a daily log of how you feel, any further expenses you have incurred and document how the accident has impacted your life.
