If you were hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, you should consider speaking with a Hampton slip and fall and premises liability lawyer who can help you seek compensation for your damages.
Most personal injury lawyers will say they take on slip and fall cases, but it’s best to find someone who has experience working with these types of complex claims.
John Foy & Associates has been helping slip-and-fall accident victims win the money they need for over 20 years. Starting as a small, local law office, we have grown to become one of the most respected and well-known firms in Georgia.
What to Do If You Slip and Fall on Someone Else’s Property in Hampton
After a slip-and-fall accident in Hampton, there are ways you can protect your legal rights. The property owner and their insurance company may look for ways to discount your claim or blame the fall on you.
Don’t let this happen. You fell for a reason. If you fell because of the business’s or property owner’s negligence, they are liable for your damages.
Here are some ways you can protect yourself while gathering some information that will be helpful in your injury claim:
1. Take Pictures
Picture evidence can be very helpful in a slip-and-fall claim. Since accident scenes can be cleaned up after an accident, it’s important to document the scene and the hazard that caused you to fall.
Use your phone camera or a regular camera to take pictures of the accident scene, what caused your slip and fall, and anything else that helps demonstrate what happened. You can also take pictures of any visible injuries from the accident.
2. Tell a Manager
Ask an employee to take you to the store’s manager. Tell the manager that you fell and were injured. Ask for their full name and contact information so that you and your lawyer can follow up later.
Also, be careful to not apologize or take the blame for your slip-and-fall accident. This could be used against you later. Even if you aren’t sure whether or not you played a part in the reason for your fall, wait to discuss fault. Contact a slip-and-fall lawyer in Hampton first.
3. Look for Witnesses
If you fell in a public location and other people were around, they may come to help you. Talk to anyone who saw you fall or saw the dangerous condition that caused the accident. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Their testimony can be very helpful in your claim.
4. See a Doctor
You should see a doctor for your slip and fall injuries as soon as you can for two main reasons:
- Even minor injuries can worsen with time, so getting checked out will encourage prompt treatment and help to minimize the severity.
- Insurance companies always look for ways to reduce a settlement and minimize a victim’s injuries. If you see a doctor very soon after your accident, it shows you were hurt badly enough to require the medical treatment you received.
You should also be careful what you say to the insurance company if they reach out to you. Do not admit blame, apologize, or minimize your injuries in any way. Even saying you’re “fine” in response to a seemingly concerned question about how you’re doing can be used against you later.
Your best option is to contact a Hampton slip-and-fall attorney and tell them about your case. They can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and prevent you from getting taken advantage of.
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Should I Get a Lawyer for a Slip-and-Fall Claim?
You may be tempted to not pursue compensation after a slip and fall. After all, it was just a simple accident, right? Not necessarily. Often, accidents like that can be caused by negligent property owners who should be held accountable.
As you may be aware, medical bills can add up very quickly, even for minor injuries. You shouldn’t have to pay for your accident if someone else caused it. With one of our lawyers, you don’t have to pay any fees upfront, meaning there’s no risk if you don’t win your claim.
If you’re thinking about taking your claim on alone, we would suggest that you rethink. People who try to represent themselves in court often find that the hurdles of personal injury law and the other party’s representation make the job impossible without an attorney by your side.
It’s worth at least talking to a personal injury attorney in Hampton. At your free initial consultation, your attorney will listen to your story and tell you if your claim is worth pursuing.
How Much does a Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Hampton Cost?
Fee structures can vary between injury lawyers, but at John Foy & Associates, we believe you should not have to pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t owe anything unless we win you money.
Then, payment is taken as a percentage of the settlement. This ensures your lawyer has your best interests in mind.
It’s important to speak with a lawyer beforehand and make sure you understand how they charge their fees. Look for a law firm that offers free consultations. That way, there’s no risk to call and talk about your case. You can provide the details, ask questions, and get to know the attorney before making a decision.
An experienced firm should leave you feeling confident about your case without the added stress of upfront financial costs. When you first hire our services, your attorney will come to an agreement with you on how much of your compensation will be used to pay your fees. The rest will stay with you so you can recover in peace.
What Is the Average Payout for a Slip and Fall Claim in Hampton?
In an injury case like a slip and fall, the average number for a settlement doesn’t usually help clients understand their own situation. Every accident case is different, and so your compensation will vary on any number of factors. Things that could affect your settlement include:
- How severe your injuries are
- If your injuries cause you to miss work
- Whether you need ongoing treatment in the future
- How much fault the property owner had in your accident
- Whether you were also negligent during your accident
The only way to give you any idea of how much you could expect from your settlement is to know the specific details of your case. At your initial meeting with a slip and fall attorney in Hampton, they will take the details of your case into account and help you understand how much compensation you could get.
Time Limit for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in Hampton
The clock begins ticking on your case’s statute of limitations from the moment you are injured. In Georgia, here’s what you need to know:
- According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a slip and fall or any other personal injury claim.
- If you don’t file a claim within this time period, the Henry County courts will likely dismiss your case and you might lose any rights to financial recovery.
- Two years might seem like plenty of time, but it goes quickly. It’s best to take action right away after your injury.
Contact a slip-and-fall attorney in Hampton to help you get started if you’re not sure what to do first.
An attorney can also help you speed things up if the insurance company is dragging its feet on responding to your claim.
This is a common tactic insurers use to encourage you to accept a lower settlement—or give up on the case entirely. But experienced slip-and-fall lawyers know how to fight for your rights and negotiate for the full settlement you truly deserve.
Talk to a Slip and Fall Attorney in Hampton for Free
slip-and-fall accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially stressful. You should never have to foot the bill for an accident you didn’t cause. Many slip-and-fall accidents come down to property owner or business negligence – so don’t blame yourself until you have all the facts.
The Hampton slip-and-fall lawyers at John Foy & Associates can assist you through every step of your injury claim. Our Hampton slip-and-fall lawyers know what it takes to win these complicated cases. We also never back down from the insurance company.
To schedule a consultation and get matched with the best lawyer for you, contact us today. Call us or contact us online now for your FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form