You’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident in Fall River, MA and you’re wondering if you need legal representation to file your claim.
The short answer is no…you don’t need a Fall River slip and fall attorney to help you with your case. You can file a slip and fall accident lawsuit on your own. You can negotiate a settlement and even represent yourself in court. But before you take the leap, keep in mind that the plaintiff might decide to have legal representation because they know slip and fall cases are not easy to litigate.
Additionally, you may not be going up against an individual in court; you might be filing a lawsuit against the property owner’s insurance company or even their lawyer. Insurers and lawyers have years of experience handling slip and fall cases so they know the law and how to use facts to win their cases. Needless to say, taking on a slip and fall case without legal representation is possible but it will be an uphill battle.
What is the Average Cost of a Slip and Fall Accident in Fall River, MA?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the cost of adult falls in 2014 was approximately $1.148 billion. According to Snow and Ice Management Association, snow slip and fall-related accidents cost an average of $48, 000. These costs not only have a huge financial impact on slip and fall accident victims but also impact the cost of buying insurance premiums.
How Much is Pain and Suffering Worth in a Slip and Fall Accident?
A lot of variables go into determining the value of your slip and fall case. Every slip and fall case is unique and the location of where the accident happened might also be different. However, there are factors that will help you get a feel of what your claim might be worth.
1. Medical Expenses
When calculating your injury damages, the cost of your past and future treatment will determine the amount of compensation you might receive.
2. Pain and Suffering
Calculating pain and suffering is not as straightforward as many people would hope. For starters, the severity and permanency of your injuries and the cost of your medical bills can be used as a measuring stick to calculate pain and suffering.
For instance, you slipped on a wet surface at the mall and ended up spraining your ankle. You end up making a full recovery and you’re able to walk again. The amount you will recover in pain and suffering won’t be the same as someone who slipped and fell and broke their hip bone and will have to walk with a limp for the rest of their life. For this reason, it’s important to first get examined by a doctor so that they can determine the extent of your injuries and then consult a slip and fall accident attorney in Fall River for a free case evaluation.
3. Lost Wages/ Lost Earning Capacity
If your injuries caused you to miss work or they are so severe that you will never be able to perform the same type of work, you may be entitled to higher compensation. In order to prove your lost earning capacity, you will need a vocational rehabilitation specialist to testify on your behalf and your employer to verify how much time you missed work due to your injuries. You might also need the services of an economic expert who can calculate your future lost wages.
How a Fall River Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Can Help
At Kevin P Landry Law Offices our slip and fall attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not charge an upfront fee so you won’t incur a financial risk. We will only get paid if we win your case and you receive a settlement.
Once you contact us, we will advise you on the best legal options after evaluating your case. We can also help to establish negligence in your case by analyzing your accident and gathering all the necessary evidence. We’ll also calculate your damages, negotiate a settlement and represent you in court. Contact us today at 508-676-0001 to schedule your free initial consultation.
