When you first think of slipping and falling, you most likely have an image of something that’s just a slight inconvenience, maybe even humorous. You get right back up and continue on your way with nothing hurt except maybe your pride. However, a slip and fall can be a much more serious event than that. What seems like a simple tripping incident can cause soft tissue damage, broken bones, sprained wrists, or injuries to the back, hips, or neck. Some falls can even cause severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries which require serious long-term care.
If you find yourself in a situation like that, you would greatly benefit from the support of “slip and fall attorneys near me”. In this guide, you’ll learn all about the first step in the process of pursuing justice: the initial consultation with your lawyer. Learn what the consultation is, what to bring, and what to expect to cover in this meeting.
The Purpose of an Initial Consultation with Your Slip and Fall Attorneys Near Me
There are three reasons behind the initial slip and fall attorneys near me consultation:
- For you to learn your legal options and prospects
- For the lawyer to learn the facts of the case
- For each of you to decide whether or not you want to work together
What to Bring to Your First Meeting
The key to a successful first consultation is preparation. Before you meet, gather all your relevant documents and records so the lawyer can understand the timeline, sequence of events, and relevant facts of the case. Bring any relevant healthcare records, medical bills, incident reports, pictures of the accident scene, and a list of potential witnesses.
Be sure to remember your identification, as your lawyer will need to verify your identity before you start.
See also: The Role of an Appellate Lawyer: Advocating for Justice Beyond Trial
Reviewing Your Case
When you meet, the lawyer will read through all of your documentation and records as well as ask you to recount the experience. During this time, the attorney will ask you lots of clarifying questions as they build support of your legal case. They will likely ask about what you did immediately before and after your accident, the exact location where it happened, and specific details about the scene such as the presence of ice, standing water, or any signage about potential hazards.
Crafting Your Case’s Legal Strategy
By assessing the actions taken by all relevant parties, the state of the accident scene, and damages you’ve incurred in the form of bills and lost wages, your lawyer will craft a legal strategy for your case. This strategy will determine where responsibility for the accident lays, the damages incurred, and who is liable to cover those damages.
A good legal strategy will serve as a roadmap for negotiations with the insurance companies and help you get the largest settlement possible.
Setting Your Expectations
Finally, the lawyer will use your initial consultation to set your expectations for the entire process. These expectations will include the next steps in your case, what to expect during the claims process and negotiations, and your prospects for settling your case. They should be able to provide a detailed roadmap with a good grasp of the possible outcomes.
Finally, the attorney should also discuss their fee structure. Typically personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they are paid out of whatever settlement you receive. Make sure you understand exactly how much of a fee they charge as well as any additional expenses you will need to cover such as court fees.
Deciding to hire a lawyer and file a claim against an insurance company is an intimidating prospect. However, a good lawyer will use your initial consultation meeting to fully understand your case, build a solid legal strategy, and guide you through the full process so that you feel comfortable and confident moving forward that you’ll receive the full compensation you deserve.
