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Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury accidents, and can cause devastating physical, emotional and economic damage. The lack of proper maintenance of properties, uneven ground, wet floors and buildings are hazards in an ancient, mixed city like Athens. This is called premises liability and the property owner is expected to make sure that the property is safe. There are some falls that cause minor injuries, others cause fractures, head trauma, spinal cord or long term disability. The injuries are serious and, if they occur due to negligence, it is crucial to find a lawyer. Any Athens slip and fall lawyer will specialize in premises liability cases, advising and representing those injured. Their tasks will be to prove that the property owner/risk taker has not met a duty of care. A knowledgeable lawyer is familiar with local Athens law and the court process which will see you dealt with accurately and professionally.
Proving Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
In order to be successful in a slip and fall case, there are a number of legal aspects that must be proven:
- Duty of Care: The Responsible Person of the premises was under a duty of care.
- Causation: The injury was actually caused by a hazard.
- Injuries: The person has been provided with some kind of compensation for their losses.
- Breach of Duty: The owner didn’t respond to or alert any danger.
An example of this is if, when a spill occurs in a grocery store, the store doesn’t mop it up in a reasonable amount of time and a customer slips and injures themselves, the grocery store could be held liable. These cases can be complicated, however, and when the property owner does not take responsibility for the accident, or claims the victim may have had some fault for the incident, they can be much more complex.
Comparative Negligence in Athens
Comparative negligence principles might be in play in many jurisdictions, including Athens. That is, if the injured party is 40% responsible for the accident, he or she’s only entitled to receive 60% of the total compensation amount. For example, if the court finds you are 20% liable for not paying attention to warning signs, you will still receive 20% of your compensation.
A good Attorney will work to reduce any shared fault claims, in order to make sure you are awarded the highest compensation amount possible.
The Importance of Having Legal Representation
Making an effort to file a slip and fall claim by yourself might be difficult. Insurance companies will try to maximize their profits by limiting payouts, which they may do through tactics like denying claims or denying that the accident was their fault, or underpaying claims. If the victim does not have an attorney, he or she may be offered a lower amount of money for a settlement that doesn’t fully compensate for the victim’s losses.
An experienced lawyer offers a number of benefits:
- Expert Negotiation Skills: Making sure there is a fair settlement provided.
- Access to Resources: Investigators, medical experts.
Those aspects of the legal case that require a lot of paperwork, deadlines and legal processes are all managed in a comprehensive manner.
What to Do Following a Slip and Fall Incident
Taking prompt and strategic steps can increase your ability to build your case if you slip and fall in Athens:
- Get Medical Care: Don’t wait to see if it’s serious, get a professional opinion.
- Take pictures: The Hazard, Environment and any injuries that can be seen.
- Don’t Make Statements: Don’t speak with insurance representatives without legal representation about the fault.
- Talk to a Lawyer: Speak to an Athens slip and fall Lawyer immediately.
Prompt action will help ensure that vital evidence is not lost and will ensure that the lawful time limits are not exceeded.
Looking for the Best Athens Slip and Fall Attorney
- Familiarity with premises liability cases
- Trial experience with premises liability cases
- Successful settlements & verdicts recorded
- Customer reviews and customer suggestions
- Transparent fee structure
- Strong communication skills
Good law firms will provide a free consultation so you can ensure that you get the right person to whom you can entrust your case.
Conclusion
Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries that can affect a person for a lifetime, but there are people who can help. An experienced slip and fall lawyer in Athens, CA can help you go through the complicated procedure of premises liability and make the most of your compensation. A committed attorney fights for you at every turn in an investigation, dealing with insurance companies, and in court.
When the unsafe environment is the cause of someone’s injury, it is crucial to act quickly, visit this page and talk to an experienced Athens slip and fall attorney to help you better understand your rights and options for compensation.