Jun 21 2023 | Zayouna Admin

Do I Need A Slip And Fall Lawyer For My Accident In Mississauga

Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately common, affecting thousands of people in Ontario every year. These accidents can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, sprains, and head injuries, which can lead to a significant financial burden due to medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. 

In some cases, you might be entitled to compensation for this financial burden by filing a personal injury claim against the property owner. This process involves proving the property owner or manager was negligent in creating a space free of slip and fall hazards, talking to their insurance companies, and maybe meeting in a legal hearing. 

Do you need a slip and fall lawyer for your accident? Not necessarily, but working with an experienced lawyer will make the process significantly easier and greatly improve your chances of success. 

Types of Slip and Fall Accidents 

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but some common causes are avoidable if a property owner is upholding their duty of care to the public. Some of the most common types of slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet or slippery surfaces
• Uneven or broken flooring, pavement, or stairs
• Poor lighting or lack of visibility
• Improperly maintained sidewalks, parking lots, or walkways
• Inadequate snow or ice removal
• Hazards like debris or cords left in walkways

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help

While it is possible to file a claim on your own, it can be difficult to negotiate with insurance companies and navigate the legal system without experience. A slip and fall lawyer will help you through every step of the legal process to take the stress off your back and help you get back to your normal life. 

Providing Legal Advice 

One of the key benefits of working with a lawyer is that they can advise you on how to navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. They can help you understand your legal rights and options, and provide guidance on how to proceed with your case. They will also inform you of any notice periods, limitation periods, or deadlines that you need to know about for your claim to be accepted. 

Most slip and fall lawyers offer free initial consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with them and get an idea of what to expect. During this consultation, you will meet with a lawyer and explain your accident. The lawyer will provide an honest assessment of your case and help you plan the next steps. 

Proving Negligence 

Proving negligence is an essential part of the claims process, and perhaps the most difficult. To prove negligence, you must establish a few things:

• That the property owner had a duty of care to provide a space free of fall hazards 
• That the property owner or manager breached this duty of care
• That this breach of responsibility caused your accident.

A slip and fall lawyer will help you gather evidence and build a case to prove that the property owner or occupier failed to uphold their legal obligation to provide a safe environment. This can include showing that the owner was aware of a hazard or should have been aware, but failed to address it.

Calculating Damages

An experienced lawyer can help you understand what losses are recoverable and how to calculate them. You may be eligible for compensation for more than just medical expenses. In some cases, lost income, future medical costs, and pain and suffering are also included in the calculation for damages. 

Your lawyer will gather documentation and work with experts to determine the full extent of your losses. This information will help guide settlement discussions with insurance companies or property owners. Remember to keep a record of any expenses related to your accident like medical bills, rehabilitation sessions, ambulance rides, etc.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies 

After a slip and fall accident, the insurance company representing the property owner may contact you to settle the case. Keep in mind that the insurance company is often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than with fairly compensating you for your injuries and losses.

A slip and fall lawyer can help you with the often-complicated process of negotiating with insurance companies. They can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you are not taken advantage of. Additionally, a lawyer can help ensure that you do not accept an unfair settlement that does not accurately reflect the extent of your injuries and losses.

It is important to note that insurance companies are often more willing to negotiate with a lawyer than with an individual claimant. By hiring a slip and fall lawyer, you can show the insurance company that you are serious about obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Representing You in Court

If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company or liable party, your case might be called to a court hearing. A slip and fall lawyer can represent you in any legal hearings, if necessary. 

Working with a lawyer in a legal hearing is much easier and more effective than representing yourself. A lawyer will build a case for you and handle all required documentation. They will also cross-examine witnesses and experts, argue your case in front of a judge and jury, and negotiate with the opposing counsel to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Zayouna Law Firm: Trusted Mississauga Slip and Fall Lawyers 

If you have decided that you need the help of a slip and fall lawyer after an accident, don’t hesitate to contact Zayouna Law Firm. With decades of experience handling slip and fall cases, our team of lawyers will fight to bring you back to your pre-accident self.

Contact us today to book your free consultation.