The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that in 2022, the construction industry was responsible for 47.4% of all fatal falls, slips, and trips. Nearly one in five workplace fatalities occurred in construction, with 38.4% of those deaths caused by falls, slips, and trips.

The causes of slip and fall accidents vary but often stem from property owners failing to maintain safe environments or warn visitors of hazards. Poor lighting, cluttered aisles, wet floors, and uneven surfaces are all common culprits.

Now, let’s examine the seven reasons to hire an attorney after a slip and fall accident.

Reasons To Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer 

Slip and fall lawyers specialize in premises liability cases and have extensive knowledge of state and local personal injury laws. They complete all the paperwork, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you recover compensation for slip and fall injuries. This expertise increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome for your case, ensuring that no critical steps are missed.

1. Proving Negligence

Proving negligence is one of the most challenging aspects of a slip and fall case. You must demonstrate that the property owner either caused the dangerous condition or knew about it and failed to address it. This often requires strong evidence, such as surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, or expert analysis. A seasoned attorney can gather and present this evidence to build a compelling case that demonstrates the property owner’s responsibility. 

Without legal representation, you might not know what types of evidence are needed or how to obtain them. Attorneys also understand the burden of proof required in personal injury cases and can anticipate the defenses a property owner might raise, such as blaming you for the accident. 

By presenting a solid case that clearly establishes the property owner’s negligence, your slip and fall lawyer significantly improves your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

2. Calculating the Full Extent of Damages

Slip and fall accidents often result in more than just immediate medical expenses. Victims may suffer from long-term slip and fall injuries requiring ongoing treatment or rehabilitation, which can result in future medical expenses and lost wages. Without experience in personal injury law, it can be difficult to accurately calculate the total value of your damages, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress. 

Attorneys are skilled at assessing your current and future losses, ensuring that all potential damages are accounted for in your slip and fall claim. They work closely with medical experts, economists, and other professionals to evaluate the full impact of your injuries. For example, in a slip and fall accident case, Dollar Tree paid $1.75 million to a woman who suffered a severe spinal injury after slipping on broken eggs in their retail store.

Without the expertise of a slip and fall attorney, you risk settling for far less than your case is worth, which can leave you struggling financially in the long term. 

3. Handling Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies after a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming. The insurance company of the property owner will often attempt to minimize payouts by offering lowball settlements or shifting the blame for the accident. Without legal representation, you might be pressured into accepting a settlement that doesn’t cover your full expenses. Attorneys will negotiate effectively with the insurance company on your behalf, present evidence to support your claim and ensure you receive a fair settlement. 

Having a slip and fall accident attorney also signals to the insurer that you’re serious about pursuing financial compensation, making them less likely to offer a lowball settlement. With a slip and fall lawyer handling the negotiations, you can focus on your recovery while ensuring that your legal interests are fully protected.

According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), workplace falls in the United States are projected to cost $70 billion annually in workers’ compensation and medical expenses. 

4. Meeting Legal Deadlines 

Slip and fall cases are subject to strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, which vary by state. For instance, the state of Missouri allows residents to file a claim within 5 years from the date of the accident, Florida has a 4-year statute of limitations period, while New York residents have 3 years to file a slip and fall lawsuit. 

Your slip and fall lawyer will handle the timing of filings, evidence gathering, and other legal procedures, making sure that no critical dates are missed. Additionally, attorneys know the procedural rules involved in filing personal injury claims, such as what information needs to be included in court documents and how to respond to motions from the property owner. 

Filing your slip and fall claim within the statute of limitations or missing a legal deadline can result in the dismissal of your case, which is why having a lawyer is essential.