Do You Need a Lawyer After a Slip and Fall Accident in Pennsylvania?

While many people assume that they do not need a lawyer following a slip and fall, it may be in your best interest. There is no knowing when complications may arise, leaving you at a disadvantage if you have chosen to represent yourself. By forgoing representation, the insurance company may be more inclined to deny your claim, especially if the property owner is disputing liability. This can result in a stressful legal battle, with you having no one fighting in your corner.

At HGSK Injury Lawyers, we realize that liability is not always clear when it comes to premises liability cases. Our Reading slip and fall lawyers are committed to helping individuals who have been injured due to a property owner’s negligence. We charge no legal fees unless we win compensation on your behalf.

Common Injuries Following a Slip and Fall in Pennsylvania

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Any jolt or strike to the head can interfere with normal brain function. Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, accounting for nearly 48 percent of TBI-related ER visits. Although TBI symptoms can vary from one person to the next, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, severe headaches, confusion, and mood swings are common. If you are showing signs of a TBI, it is important that you seek medical care immediately.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Any pulling or twisting of the spine can cause spinal cord damage. While spinal cord injuries are most common in motor vehicle accidents, they can and do occur in slip and falls. Common symptoms of a spinal cord injury involve loss of sensation or numbness, loss of function below the injury site, loss of bladder or bowel control, muscle spasticity, and paralysis. If left untreated, a spinal injury can lead to permanent impairment.

Broken Bones

Older individuals who experience a slip and fall are more likely to experience a broken bone or fracture. Hip fractures are common in persons over the age of 65 who suffer a slip and fall, contributing to 300,000 hospitalizations annually. Falls can prove fatal for the elderly, with 20 to 30 percent of elderly persons who experience a hip fracture dying within one year.

A Reading Slip and Fall Attorney Can Provide Critical Guidance

Establishing Liability

The insurance claims process is complex, requiring that you establish liability to receive the settlement you deserve. A slip and fall lawyer can assist in proving the other party’s fault. In a slip and fall case, this involves establishing that the property owner or landlord knew or should have known about the hazard yet failed to fix it. If the property owner claims otherwise, a slip and fall lawyer will provide the necessary evidence to show that the owner ignored the condition or simply overlooked it.

Handling Negotiations

A slip and fall attorney will calculate the full worth of your case, knowing what specific damages and amounts you are entitled to recoup. If insurance repeatedly offers you low settlements, your attorney will justify future damages, making sure that you are compensated accordingly.

Knowing When to Take Your Case to Court

Although 95 percent of personal injury cases never go to trial, there are times when litigation may be necessary. A slip and fall lawyer may suggest that you consider litigation if insurance negotiations are stalled. Under some circumstances, taking your case to court may result in a much higher award (even factoring in court costs).

Contact a Reading Slip and Fall Attorney At Your Earliest Convenience

Even a minor slip and fall can come with substantial damages, making it necessary that you hire counsel. The legal team at HGSK Injury Lawyers takes a personal interest in each case, not resting until you have received the most compensation possible. If you would like to discuss your matter with one of our Reading slip and fall lawyers, our office can be reached online or by calling (267) 551-8782. We offer free initial consultations.