A slip-and-fall accident can be devastating and raise many questions. As a victim, you may wonder what financial compensation you are entitled to receive. Working with a skilled attorney is the best way to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Yet, many people have limited experience with legal matters. For some, this may be their first time hiring an attorney. You may wonder how to choose, but, thankfully, there are a few key factors that can help you pick the right attorney: the law firm’s track record and resources are two of the most noteworthy.
Kiley Law Group can guide you through the legal process and make it as simple and stress-free as possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Falling is a common occurrence. In most cases when a person falls, there is no injury. We simply get back up and continue with our day.
At other times, it is not so simple and a fall can have serious consequences. A person can suffer injuries that range from mild to catastrophic. Some may never fully recover. In such cases, you are likely entitled to financial compensation.
How do you know if your accident entitles you to financial compensation? In most cases, the plaintiff in a slip-and-fall accident must prove three things:
- Defendant created a hazardous condition
- Hazardous conditions caused the accident
- The defendant was aware of the condition and had an opportunity to correct, or warn, to prevent injury
The best way to know for certain if you are entitled to financial compensation is to consult an attorney. Kiley Law Group does not charge you until we win, so please don’t hesitate to contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation. One of our lawyers can review our case and help you understand the financial compensation you are entitled to receive.
Understand the Firm’s Track Record
Determine if your lawyer has experience with slip and fall cases. The path to the settlement you deserve can have many legal hurdles. Proving negligence in a slip-and-fall accident can be complex.
Many attorneys focus on personal injury. Yet, there are significant differences between slip and fall cases and other types of personal injury cases. Look for an attorney that has experience specifically with slip-and-falls.
An experienced law firm is ready to anticipate and avoid complications that can delay your proceedings or even reduce your compensation.
Consider the results that the law firm has achieved. Some questions to consider are:
- What is the total value of the settlements that the firm has won for clients?
- Has the firm obtained many large individual settlements?
- How long has the firm been practicing law?
- Does the firm have experience taking cases to trial?
When answering these questions, look for a law firm with a track record that spans decades. An experienced firm will have obtained large sums of financial compensation for their clients.
The Boston Herald Sunday Magazine referred to Tom Kiley, of Kiley Law Group, and made this comment: “In the high stakes game of personal injury law, Boston Attorney Thomas Kiley is known as The Million-Dollar Man.” This was based on his record of obtaining million-dollar verdicts and settlements in complex cases in which he represented his injured clients against insurance companies.
Understand the Firm’s Resources
In many slip and fall cases, settlements are made out of court. At other times, it is necessary to go to trial. In each case, the focus must be on achieving the best possible outcome for you.
An experienced slip-and-fall attorney will work to achieve a quick settlement for the compensation you deserve. But, if a quick settlement is not possible, you want to ensure that your attorney has the resources to complete the legal process. This may mean a lengthy process including a trial. In choosing an attorney, make sure to look at the team that supports them.
Questions to consider when determining whether or not a firm is right for you include:
- Does your attorney have a team of paralegals, investigators and other lawyers to support them?
- Does the firm have experience in taking slip and fall cases to trial?
- If your case could take many years to resolve, does the firm have the resources to continue fighting for you?
Some attorneys do not have experience taking cases to trial. This may cause them to hesitate to take your case to trial, even if it is in your best interests to do so. Your case is too important to entrust to an attorney who lacks experience or resources.
Understand the Firm’s Culture
Many firms will advertise the large settlements it has won. While a good track record is important, it is not the only aspect to consider. The legal process is stressful and complex.
An effective slip and fall attorney is more than just a lawyer. He or she should educate you about the process and help you to feel comfortable with each step.
Look for a customer-centric firm that will focus on you, the client, and guide you through each step of the process. Your attorney can help you understand the aspects of your case that are most important. Look at testimonials for the firm you are considering.
Questions to consider:
- How well does your attorney communicate? Look for a lawyer who proactively keeps clients up to date on the status of the case. Lawyers should be readily available to their clients.
- Does your attorney educate clients on the Process? No one likes surprises. Look for a lawyer who will educate you on the overall process. This includes understanding possible outcomes of each step and possible next steps.
- Is your attorney patient with clients? You will likely have many questions. Look for testimonials that indicate a patient attorney, willing to spend all the time needed to help each client feel comfortable.
When you meet with a lawyer, pay attention to how he or she speaks to you. Cases can take many months, or even years, so having a good relationship with your lawyer is important. Ask for your attorney’s direct email and phone number.
You need to feel that a lawyer listens to you, is available for you, and respects you. Ensure that you have a high level of trust and comfort with your attorney.
Kiley Law Group has a customer-centric culture, as is made clear by our many client testimonials. Our clients not only have the best outcomes financially, but are also supported, educated, and cared for throughout the process.
What an Attorney Does for You?
When considering different attorneys it is important to understand what he or she will do for you. Not all attorneys offer the same level of service.
Some attorneys may focus on obtaining quick settlements for as many clients as possible. This approach makes the firm more profitable. But this approach means you may lose out on your eventual settlement. Instead, look for an attorney who will focus on you and get you the full compensation you deserve.
An attorney will thoroughly investigate your case. This ensures you have the strongest possible case to obtain full compensation.
Depending on the details of your case, the investigation may include:
- Securing surveillance footage of the incident
- Finding and interviewing witnesses to obtain testimony
- Retaining consultants and expert witnesses for their opinion and testimony
- Investigating and obtaining records of other slip and fall accidents on the same property
- Gathering maintenance records
- Collecting photographs and other details of the location and environment where the fall occurred
- Obtaining police reports
The investigation is important because a defendant will try to avoid taking responsibility. Defendants may even try to prove that a fall was your fault. An effective attorney, though, will build a strong case that ensures the defendant takes full responsibility.
Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies. He or she will review any insurance policies that you may benefit from. If the fall happened at work, this may include determining whether you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits..
Your attorney may also handle all communication with insurance companies. He or she can also provide you with guidance so you do not do anything that could adversely affect your case. This can include making recorded statements or posting on social media.
Do Not Take Chances With Your Financial Future
Kiley Law Group has a proven track record of achieving satisfactory results. We have decades of experience with slip and fall cases and have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients.
Let us take on the burden of dealing with the insurance company so that you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries. We can guide you through the process, from insurance claim all the way to lawsuit and trial if necessary
At Kiley Law Group, you are not just hiring an attorney. You are hiring a dedicated team of professionals. We have the experience, resources, know-how, and dedication to get you the best possible result for your injuries.
Learn how we can support and care for you, just as we have cared for hundreds of clients over many decades. Call us today at (888) 435-1321 for a free consultation.
