As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, nearly 45,000 individuals in the country have lost their lives due to accidental falls. While some of these were accidents, a lot of them could be attributed to the carelessness of others. In such cases, the affected persons are entitled to file a legal case against those responsible for the mishap. A slip-and-fall attorney specializes in such cases, helping victims seek justice.

Key functions of a slip-and-fall lawyer

Identifying the accountable and proving them guilty
A slip-and-fall attorney should be able to identify the person or entity that caused the fall and systematically gather evidence against them, using their knowledge of legal clauses and acts around the scenario.

Representing the client during trials
If trials are conducted in court, the lawyer should be able to represent the client in court, providing evidence and addressing witnesses, both from the client’s side and those presented by the opposing party.

Ensuring proper compensation for the client
The client may require a significant amount to seek treatment for any injuries sustained, seek professional help for physical and mental issues resulting from the mishap, and care for dependent family members in case they cannot hold a job because of physical incapacitation. A slip-and-fall lawyer should consider such factors to ask for sizable compensation for the client with consideration of the contingency fees being charged for the case.

Tips to choose the right attorney

Check the lawyer’s credentials and experience
An attorney dealing with slip-and-fall cases should be experienced in not only legal cases in general but also specifically in those relating to slips and falls. One should check the lawyer’s qualifications and experience in this domain and visit the American Bar Association (ABA) website to verify these details. On ABA website, one can check whether a lawyer is authorized to practice in a specific state.

Gauge the lawyer’s proficiency with an initial consultation
Even if a specialized attorney has the necessary credentials in the field, it’s essential to check whether they are able to practically implement such knowledge when dealing with genuine slip-and-fall cases and settlements. One of the best ways to gauge their practical proficiency is to book an initial consultation and discuss one’s case in depth. The insights that the lawyer provides can help one decide whether the professional is suitable to handle the case. This initial consultation also helps determine other aspects, such as the lawyer’s listening and communication skills.

Choose a lawyer who charges a contingency fee
Top lawyers work with a contingency fee model, charging a fixed percentage (usually up to 40%) of the compensation one receives upon winning the case. If one loses the case, they don’t owe any money to the lawyer. So, if a lawyer asks for a lump sum at the outset, it’s a sign that one should look for a different attorney.

Seek referrals
The best way to find a suitable slip-and-fall lawyer nearby is through a referral because one can be sure that the source is genuine. So, it’s a good idea to check with family members, friends, and colleagues about any specific lawyers they know of who may have successfully helped them or someone in their contacts with such cases.

Check the attorney’s reputation
An essential aspect of shortlisting a slip-and-fall lawyer is to check their reputation on different legal websites. Top lawyers receive acknowledgements and recommendations from others in their profession, so it helps to know whether they have received any recognition for their work. The more reputed the attorney is, the higher will be the chances of winning their case.

Find out how many cases the lawyer has won
The success rate of the attorney determines whether they are likely to help one win the case in question. Also, the lawyer should be able to demonstrate evidence of cases won in the past and provide examples, if required, of how they helped win specific cases in the slip-and-fall category.

Ask the lawyer to share a customized plan
Once they have understood their client’s case, lawyers should be able to provide a plan specifically based on the client’s requirements. Also, even as they execute the plan, they should keep their clients informed at every stage regarding the progress. To find out if a slip-and-fall attorney is capable of such personal attention, one should check with the attorney right at the outset regarding the further steps to be taken and determine if the lawyer exhibits a clear objective and course of action.

How much do slip-and-fall lawyers charge?
On average, slip-and-fall lawyers charge a contingency fee that is 33-40% of one’s final compensation amount. Ideally, the lawyer should specify this amount clearly in advance and have it documented so that there are no changes to this set percentage. Also, they should confirm in writing that the client does not owe any amount to the attorney if they lose the case.

Top 5 slip-and-fall lawyers and legal agencies
There are several practicing slip-and–fall attorneys and legal agencies across the country. The cream of the crop among these are experts in the field who have considerable core experience in slip-and-fall cases.

• Morgan & Morgan (legal firm)
• Ben B. Rubinowitz
• Carol L. Forte
• Brian Panish
• Irvin V. Cantor