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Six Questions To Ask Your Pennsylvania Slip-and-Fall Attorney
Slip-and-fall accidents are extremely common and often end in serious injuries, especially among seniors. If you slip or trip and fall in a store, mall, or restaurant, talk to a Pennsylvania slip-and-fall attorney to learn your options.
When you come in for a consultation with a slip-and-fall lawyer, we recommend that you ask the following questions. The lawyer’s answers will help you decide whether you want to work with this legal professional and what to expect throughout your case.
1. Who Is Responsible for My Accident?
Slip-and-fall cases follow a principle known as premises liability, meaning that the property owner is responsible for keeping their premises safe. If an owner knows about property hazards, like a wobbly floor or an unstable staircase, they have a duty of care to fix them, or they may face negligence claims.
Other responsible parties, like property managers and commercial tenants, may likewise be liable for your injuries. Your lawyer will carefully examine all available evidence to determine whether you have a strong case.
2. What If I’m Partially At Fault for My Accident?
Suppose there was a hazard on the property, but the injured person could have avoided the accident if they looked under their feet instead of texting while walking. What then?
In Pennsylvania, you can claim compensation even if you’re partially responsible for your injuries, provided your degree of fault is under 51%. Your lawyer can explain how comparative fault works in your case.
3. How Much Experience Do You Have With Slip-and-Fall Cases?
You should not hire just any personal injury lawyer but a seasoned Pennsylvania slip-and-fall attorney. A reputable lawyer should be able to showcase successful outcomes in similar cases in the past.
Evaluate the lawyer’s Google reviews. Were former clients happy with their services? You can also look up the attorney on the PA Disciplinary Board to make sure they’re legit.
4. What Compensation May I Expect?
Your lawyer can let you know what your compensation will likely cover, such as your medical costs, loss of income and earning capacity, physical pain, mental distress, and miscellaneous costs like hiring in-home help.
However, even an experienced lawyer likely won’t be able to give you a detailed breakdown of your losses initially. They may need to wait until it is clear when and if you will recover from your injuries and your future medical and employment prospects are clearer.
5. What Happens If the Other Side Refuses To Settle?
While slip-and-fall cases often settle out of court, the property owner or their insurance company may refuse to take responsibility for your accident. That’s why you need a lawyer who’s a skilled negotiator but is also ready and willing to litigate. When the other side knows your attorney is prepared to fight for you at trial, they’re more likely to make a reasonable offer.
6. How Does Your Fee System Work?
Slip-and-fall lawyers typically charge a contingency fee. The attorney collects a certain percentage of your settlement (usually from 20% to 40%) when they resolve your case. Make sure to ask your lawyer what their contingency fees are because these may vary based on the complexity of your case and whether it ends in trial.
Call Us To Talk to a Pennsylvania Slip-and-Fall Attorney
Do you believe that someone’s negligence caused your slip-and-fall accident? Call us at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. For the past twenty years, we have fought for the rights of injured people in Scranton and across northeastern Pennsylvania. Our dedicated lawyers will stand by your side from the start of your claim until its resolution.
Call 570-230-6420 or fill out our online form for a free consultation with a Pennsylvania slip-and-fall attorney.
