It’s unfortunately happened to all of us at some point: something gets spilled in a store, restaurant, or other business, and you happen to be the unlucky person who steps in it and falls. Contacting a lawyer, like this New York slip and fall lawyer, can be one of the first steps that you take, but where do you go from there?
Time is of the Essence
In any state, there are time limits on how long you have to file your claim, around two years in many states. The longer you wait to initiate legal action, the longer it will take for your case to see a satisfactory resolution. Acting quickly will help you get the relief that you need much faster.
See a Doctor as Soon as Possible
It can be very tempting to try to tough it out and figure you’re okay because nothing appears to be broken. However, the first few days following your fall might prove otherwise. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can find out what’s wrong and get some resolution to your case.
Document Everything
Anything from the conditions that lead to your fall in the first place to how the business staff handled the incident can play a deciding role in your case. Think about the entire incident from beginning to end, even little things that might not otherwise attract much attention. Anything you remember can help your slip and fall lawyer make your case more effectively.
Consult with an Attorney
A personal injury practice that uses slip and fall lawyer expertise can help you get a case started with a chance of better results. Although it is perfectly legal to file suit yourself, an attorney provides the expertise that you need for better chances of success. The whole personal injury process can be overwhelming and not something you want to try to tackle without assistance.
The First Steps
Your slip and fall lawyer will formally file your suit, known as a “petition”, with the court. The petition will bring about the claims that you, the plaintiff, are making about the other party, the defendant. When the business you are filing suit against receives a copy of your claim, they will have a chance to respond to your claims.
Steps Before a Trial
Before the trial, both parties can gather the necessary documentation and witness interviews called depositions. During this discovery period, both sides can also determine whether they will use expert witnesses.
What About Mediation?
During mediation, a neutral party other than the judge can use guided negotiation to bring about a settlement. Most cases see resolution during this phase. If mediation doesn’t bring about resolution for both parties, then the case will go to trial, possibly with a jury.
How the Right Lawyer Makes a Difference
The right slip and fall lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Nobody ever wants to go through the turmoil that can come with personal injury cases, but the right professional on your side makes a difference.
