Getting A Little Help

Falling in a store is no laughing matter. While falls on TV might be humorous, a fall in real life can cause bodily harm that has lasting effects. Sometimes, a fall can even be fatal. If you've recently had a slip and fall incident and are suffering from pain and medical bills because of it, then consider talking to an attorney to see if you can get compensation for your medical care. Here are some things that might influence your case.

If The Property Owner Was Negligent

If your fall was caused by the property owner not making repairs when needed, then you might have cause to sue. For instance, if a handrail on the stairs was broken and caused you to fall, then the fall may have been prevented if the owner made timely repairs. In some cases, repairs may not be possible or they may be underway. Then, the business owner should have signs up warning you of danger. The first step in evaluating your case is to decide if the property owner was negligent or otherwise responsible for your fall.

If Your Behavior Caused You To Fall

Your behavior might have a bearing on your case as well. This is an area your attorney will look into because if you were being reckless, it might be difficult to prove your case. The more evidence you can gather, the easier it will be for your attorney to evaluate the situation. Witness reports, police reports, medical records, and video recordings of the incident are all useful when determining who was at fault and if you have a case against the property owner.

The Extent Of Your Injuries

When you're hurt because of someone else, it's important to you even if your injuries are minor. However, if you were hospitalized, required surgery, or having lasting effects such as paralysis, memory problems, or chronic back pain due to the fall, then the event takes on a more serious nature. Your medical bills escalate and combined with the amount of your lost wages, you could be out a significant sum of money all because someone was negligent. An attorney factors in the cost of your medical care, your expected future expenses, and lost income to estimate a reasonable compensation amount. This information can help you decide if you want to pursue a case by suing the building's owner.

Talking to a slip and fall attorney shortly after your accident helps put the incident into perspective so you can figure out how to proceed. Your attorney can assist you in different ways even if you're still in the hospital. Plus, your attorney can also advise you about talking to the business owner's attorney or insurance company so you don't say anything that might hurt your case and the amount of compensation you receive.