February 20, 2019 | By Polito & Harrington LLC
I Was Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident at a Store—Do I Need a Lawyer?
When you go to a store to shop, you rightfully expect that the premises are free from any unreasonably dangerous condition that could cause you to fall. This is true whether you are at your local grocery store, a mall, a clothing store, or a convenience store attached to a gas station. Unfortunately, these expectations are often dashed, and people sustain injuries in slip and fall accidents in stores on a daily basis.
If you recently sustained injuries in a slip and fall accident in a store, you might be wondering whether you need a lawyer to represent you. Always retain an attorney after an injury-causing slip and fall accident, even if the store’s insurance company has offered to settle your case. Here are some of the specific ways that an experienced attorney can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve after a slip and fall accident.
An Attorney Will Determine If Your Accident Was the Result of Negligence
The first thing a lawyer will do is determine whether your accident was the result of the negligence of the property owner or manager, which will, in turn, determine whether you can recover compensation for your injuries. Some common slip and fall hazards that are usually attributable to someone’s negligence include the following:
- Wet floors
- Exposed electrical wires
- Inadequate lighting
- Stairwells without handrails
- Torn carpet
- Uneven flooring
Negligence is not always obvious to the untrained eye, so review a slip and fall accident with an attorney.
Your Lawyer Will Evaluate Your Losses
One of the most complicated aspects of a personal injury case is determining your losses. While it may be easy to establish your medical expenses and lost income, what about your pain and suffering and lost quality of life? What about future medical expenses that you may incur because of an accident-related disability or chronic pain? When you retain an attorney, he or she will conduct a thorough analysis of your case and calculate a figure that adequately compensates you for your injuries.
Your Attorney Will Negotiate With the Insurance Company on Your Behalf
Once your lawyer has determined an appropriate amount of compensation, he or she will send the insurance company a demand letter and attempt to negotiate an adequate settlement offer. If the insurance company refuses to settle your case for a reasonable amount, your attorney will likely file a lawsuit on your behalf in order to recover the compensation you deserve under Connecticut law.
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious and debilitating injuries that can affect victims for months or even years. At Polito & Harrington, LLC, we know how to hold negligent property owners and managers responsible and are committed to getting each client we represent maximum recovery for their claim. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at (860) 447-3300 or contact us online.