Consequences of Failing to Consult With a Slip and Fall Attorney

After a slip and fall on someone else’s property, many victims want to recover from the injury as quickly and quietly as possible. However, a reluctance to speak with a lawyer about the accident can have serious consequences, especially when it comes to the amount of compensation the victim is able to collect. 

Delaying a Legal Consultation Can Cost Slip and Fall Victims

Most injury attorneys take cases on a contingent fee basis and offer a free initial consultation to discuss the details with the victim. An attorney should be able to determine whether you can settle the insurance claim on your own, and you are under no obligation to hire the attorney after the consultation is over. Since it doesn’t cost anything up front to get legal advice from an injury attorney, it is always best to schedule your free consultation sooner rather than later.

Going forward without an attorney places a considerable amount at stake. Because of this, you want to avoid:

Allowing evidence to disappear.

The more time that passes after an accident, the more evidence will be lost. Property owners may repair the condition that caused the injury and/or erase security or surveillance tapes of the incident, and witnesses’ memories of the event will fade.

Making costly mistakes.

There are many things victims should and should not do after an accident to protect their right to recovery. An attorney can advise you on best practices while your claim is pending and can even speak to bill collectors and insurance companies on your behalf.

Settling too quickly.

Victims may be tempted to accept any amount offered by an insurance company, even if they aren’t sure of the full extent of their injuries. An attorney can accurately estimate injury costs and negotiate with an insurer to secure an amount that will compensate you for all of your losses.

Passing the statute of limitations.

In Rhode Island, injury victims have up to 3 years to file an injury lawsuit after a slip, trip, or fall. Once the statute of limitations expires, you may no longer be able to recover any damages.

Have You Been Injured On Someone's Property In Rhode Island?

If you've been injured on someone else's property you need to speak with an experienced premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help injury victims in Providence, Warwick and all areas of Rhode Island.