“Beatrice, Beatrice, are you okay?” Charles asked as he looked back and saw her on the ground clutching her ankle.
“Ow! I don’t know. I’m not sure if I’m okay, give me a second to sit here.” said Beatrice.
“What happened?” asked Charles.
“I was trying to get around the crowd of kids by the pizza joint and slipped on this wet spot by the entrance. This is so embarrassing. And so painful,” she said.
“Here, grab my arm, let me help you,” Charles said as he reached out to help her. “You don’t need to be embarrassed around me, let’s see if you can walk it off.”
“Thanks Charles but I don’t think I can put any weight on it” she replied as she tapped her toes on the ground. “No, no, I can’t. I think I’m really hurt.”
“Yes, I see the swelling already. Let’s get you to urgent care. First, let me have a look at where it happened. That crowd is dangerous, especially with this uneven sidewalk. It might be considered a hazard. If the fall wasn’t your fault, you might have a case,” said Charles as he took out his phone to take some pictures.
“A case? Like, a legal case?” she asked.
“Exactly. If you got hurt because someone else was negligent, a Tacoma slip and fall lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve,” he responded.
“A doctor and a lawyer all at once, good grief,” she said.
“Let’s get to the doctor first. One thing at a time, but I really think there’s a chance a good lawyer can help you too,” he said. “I’ll tell you what you can expect after we see how severe your injury is.”
What happens after a slip-and-fall accident can feel overwhelming. Medical expenses pile up, lost wages from missing days at work add to the stress, and the physical discomfort can feel like the least of your troubles. The good news is that help is available.
This article will walk you through what to expect when working with a Tacoma slip-and-fall lawyer focusing on the key things your lawyer will do to get you back on your feet, literally and figuratively.
Table of Contents
- Taking Charge After the Fall: Your Lawyer Steps In
- Financial Peace of Mind with a Contingency Fee Structure
- Working with Your Lawyer: Communication is Key
- Building Your Case: Investigation and Negotiation
- Going to Court: When Negotiation Isn’t Enough
- Peace of Mind and Getting What You Deserve
Taking Charge After the Fall: Your Lawyer Steps In
Let’s go back to Beatrice. After a trip to urgent care confirms a broken ankle, a hefty bill, and a minimum two-month recovery, Beatrice decides to explore her legal options. This is a wise move. A slip and fall injury can have a significant impact on your life, and a Tacoma slip and fall lawyer can help navigate the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s what you can expect your lawyer to do for you:
- Free Consultation: A Tacoma slip and fall lawyer should offer a free consultation to discuss your case in detail. During this meeting, the lawyer should ask you questions in order to understand the specifics of your accident, including the location, cause of the fall, the extent of your injuries, and if any witnesses were present. Come to the consultation prepared with any pictures you took of the scene, the hazard, and your injuries. The lawyer should answer your questions and explain the legal process in a clear and concise manner. By the end of the consultation, you can expect to have a clear understanding of your legal options and feel confident about moving forward.
- Expert Guidance: An experienced Tacoma slip and fall lawyer should leverage their knowledge of personal injury law to assess your case. Based on this evaluation, the lawyer should advise you on the best course of action, whether it’s pursuing negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
- Evidence Gathering: Building a strong case requires solid evidence. A Tacoma slip and fall lawyer should work hard to collect evidence that supports your claim. This might include:
- Police Reports: If a police report was filed at the scene of the accident, the lawyer should obtain a copy.
- Witness Statements: The lawyer should track down any witnesses who saw your fall and obtain signed statements detailing their observations.
- Medical Records: The lawyer should work directly with your medical providers to acquire all your medical records related to the accident and your injuries. This documentation helps establish the severity of your injuries and the connection between the fall and your medical needs.
- Scene Photos: If you were able to take pictures of the scene of the fall, the lawyer should use them as evidence to illustrate the hazardous condition that caused your accident.
- Medical Bill Management: Medical bills can add up quickly after a slip and fall accident. A Tacoma slip-and-fall lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of medical billing and ensure you’re not responsible for unnecessary charges. The lawyer can review your bills for errors and negotiate with medical providers on your behalf.
- Lost Wage Recovery: If your injuries prevent you from working, you shouldn’t have to suffer the financial burden. A Tacoma slip and fall lawyer should fight to recover any wages you lost due to your slip and fall accident. This includes not only your base salary but also any bonuses, commissions, or vacation time you may have missed.
- Insurance Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies when you don’t have experience can be frustrating and time-consuming. A Tacoma slip and fall lawyer should take over this task, handling all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The lawyer should be your advocate, negotiating aggressively to get you a fair settlement that covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Financial Peace of Mind with a Contingency Fee Structure
When you’re facing mounting medical bills and lost wages after a slip-and-fall accident, the added stress of lawyer fees can feel overwhelming. That’s where a Tacoma slip-and-fall lawyer working on a contingency fee structure can understand the financial burden an injury can cause, which is why they usually offer legal services with a contingency fee agreement.
So, how does it work? In a nutshell, you don’t pay anything upfront for legal expertise. Lawyers only get paid if they win your case and secure a settlement or judgment in your favor. The fee is a predetermined percentage of the compensation they recover for you. This means the attorney’s interests are completely aligned with yours – they only get paid if you get paid.
This structure offers several benefits for you. First, it eliminates the upfront financial risk of hiring a lawyer. You can focus on healing from your injuries without worrying about lawyer fees adding to your stress. Second, it incentivizes your lawyer to fight aggressively for the maximum compensation you deserve. The lawyer’s success is tied to yours, so they should work tirelessly to build the strongest possible case and negotiate the best possible settlement. Finally, a contingency fee structure fosters open communication and trust. There’s no pressure to settle for a quick, low-ball offer just to cover fees. There is value in having swift action in your Tacoma slip-and-fall accident but we want to avoid the pressure of quick, low-ball offers.
Working with Your Lawyer: Communication is Key
Throughout the process, you can expect your lawyer to keep you informed of the progress of your case and be readily available to answer your questions. They should explain legal jargon in a way you understand and empower you to make informed decisions.
Building Your Case: Investigation and Negotiation
You can expect your lawyer to act as your advocate, conducting a thorough investigation to gather evidence that proves your case. This may involve:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Obtaining security footage
- Consulting with medical experts
Once they have a solid case built, your lawyer should aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to get you the maximum compensation possible.
Going to Court: When Negotiation Isn’t Enough
While most cases are settled out of court, if a fair settlement isn’t reached, you can expect your lawyer to be prepared to take your case to trial. This can be a stressful process, but your lawyer should guide you every step of the way.
Peace of Mind and Getting What You Deserve
Working with a Tacoma slip-and-fall lawyer from Park Chenaur & Associates can give you peace of mind while you focus on healing. We understand that slip and fall accidents can be disruptive and leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Our team is dedicated to helping you through the process and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Don’t let a slip-and-fall accident turn into a stressful financial burden too. Contact Park Chenaur & Associates today for a free consultation. We’ll meet your expectations and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
