Slip-and-fall accidents can happen to anyone, which is why you need a Columbia slip-and-fall accident lawyer on your side. No matter your age or body type, these types of accidents do not discriminate, and the damage they cause can be severe. The victim of a slip-and-fall accident should not bear the brunt of the damages, especially if another party is at fault for their injuries, so call a Columbia personal injury lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm.
Hiring an Attorney in Your Slip and Fall Case Is Important
A slip-and-fall case may seem like a simple process of submitting a claim and expecting the insurance company to pay it. This does not always happen. As your slip and fall accident lawyer in Columbia, we work very closely with you to ensure you gather the evidence you need to fight for adequate, comprehensive compensation for your losses.
A Columbia personal injury lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm can provide victims with the guidance needed to receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We evaluate everything that occurred, determine who is to blame, and estimate your losses fully. Then, we negotiate with the insurance company, putting you first.
With help from our legal team, you can expect to submit a claim for maximum compensation and a tough, hard-working attorney to help you get the best possible outcome. We are passionate about helping people. You can count on us to be there for you.
Slip-and-Fall Accident Statistics
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, including the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 5,000 fatal work injuries happen annually. Among those deadly work injuries are slip-and-fall accidents.
Those not fatally injured by a slip-and-fall accident can face serious short-term and long-term injuries. If you have suffered serious injury and pain, you deserve compensation for those losses. This can be critical to supporting your recovery.
Let our team go to work for you. We work with all types of slip-and-fall accident victims in Columbia to provide the best level of support and guidance possible. Contact a slip and fall accident attorney in Columbia for immediate help.
Common Types of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen not only on the job but also in public places, like supermarkets, movie theaters, or restaurants. While these types of accidents can occur anytime, they are preventable. It is essential to be mindful of the common types of slip-and-fall accidents and what can cause them, including the following:
- Wet floors
- Poor lighting
- Accidents that take place on an elevator or escalator
- Ice or snow
- Floors that are in disrepair
- Cracked sidewalks that are not level
- Materials on floors that make the surface slippery and prone to accidents
Gathering evidence is critical to winning a slip-and-fall case and receiving compensation. Evidence can help a slip-and-fall victim prove that the at-fault party’s negligence caused the accident. A slip-and-fall accident lawyer in Columbia can assess the situation, review the evidence, and provide the victim with the best next steps to take.
How to Prove Negligence in a Slip-and-Fall Case
Proving negligence in a slip-and-fall case is the most important step. For a victim to be compensated by the party at fault for the slip-and-fall accident, they must prove negligence for that to happen, and if negligence cannot be proven, the case is like a stool with no legs, and it will not stand up in court. Several factors must be considered when proving negligence in a slip-and-fall case, including the following:
- The owner of the property where the accident occurred owed the victim a duty of care.
- The property owner failed to fulfill this duty of care.
- The owner of the property’s failure to provide a duty of care resulted in the victim’s fall and injuries.
- As a result of the slip-and-fall accident, the victim has monetary damages for which they need to be compensated.
A Columbia slip-and-fall accident attorney is a fantastic resource that victims should rely on to gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence. Having a lawyer with this unique skill set in your corner can be the difference between winning and losing a case. With support from your attorney, you will know exactly what your rights are and how to receive that compensation.
How Long a Slip-and-Fall Claim Can Take
After filing a slip-and-fall claim, it is natural to wonder how long the process will take. In many cases, three to six months is typical. However, it depends on various factors, including the insurance company cooperating with the victim’s Columbia slip-and-fall accident lawyer. The timeline may be extended if the insurance adjuster is not open to giving a victim’s case fair treatment.
Contentious claims are usually resolved between six and 18 months. However, they can go as long as 24 to 36 months, depending on the details of the case that is being debated. With this in mind, having the guidance of a slip-and-fall accident lawyer in Columbia can help victims get through this process as quickly as possible to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.
Every case is vastly different. Our priority is to settle your claim as quickly as possible for the highest value possible. It takes skill and experience to prove to the insurance company that you deserve the value presented within the claim, so be sure to call Shelly Leeke Law Firm today.
When You Should Hire a Columbia Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorney
Being involved in a slip-and-fall accident is no laughing matter. It can turn a person’s life upside down, resulting in an inability to work, a pile of bills, serious injuries, and emotional distress. First and foremost, victims should seek medical treatment and be evaluated by their primary doctor to understand what is going on.
After going to your doctor and following their orders, consulting with a Columbia slip-and-fall accident attorney is a crucially important next step. It is vital to work with an attorney with a successful track record. However, it is equally important to find someone with whom you feel comfortable and who will guide you through the entire process, including mistakes to avoid, and who will answer the questions accident victims ask most.
- Get advice on what all of your losses are
- Better understanding of the claim process
- Clearly demonstrate the financial compensation owed to you
- Determine all parties responsible
- Prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you
Mistakes to Avoid in a Slip-and-Fall Case
Victims of slip-and-fall accidents can make many potential mistakes, so they must avoid them at all costs. Failure to avoid these common pitfalls can negatively impact a slip-and-fall victim’s settlement. For example, one of the most common mistakes victims make is not gathering evidence at the scene of the slip-and-fall accident.
Victims sometimes fail to preserve the evidence, which is just as bad. If you are going to take the time to gather evidence, you must protect it so it can be used to justify a settlement or at a trial. Failure to seek immediate medical attention is another mistake because a doctor’s medical report and the associated prescriptions, bills, and receipts can be critical in proving injuries and damages.
Not having this information will only work against the victim, not in their favor. Failing to seek immediate medical attention also sends the wrong message, as it makes it seem as though no injuries were sustained. A slip-and-fall accident attorney in Columbia can help victims sidestep pitfalls to avoid making mistakes that harm their case.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a Columbia Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
There is only one option for those who find themselves a victim of a slip-and-fall accident in Columbia. They need to speak with a Columbia slip-and-fall accident attorney at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm. We help victims and families ready to move forward after an accident by getting them the compensation they deserve.
- Outstanding experience and reliability in providing exceptional service.
- Proven results with other slip and fall cases
- A caring, compassionate legal team that really does want to help you maximize your compensation
- A solid reputation for providing superior service
- Excellent client testimonials that prove we work hard for our clients and their best possible outcome in every situation
You are not alone in this process. With our experience and dedication, you can count on having trusted legal representation by your side. We fight for our clients!
Schedule a Free Consultation Now
If you are the victim of a slip-and-fall accident in Columbia, contact us today so we can help you. The Columbia slip and fall accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm is committed to providing you with accurate, clear information about your legal options. Do not wait to give us a call for a free consultation.