Slips, trips, and falls – These are common types of accidents in Vermont; more often than not, these mishaps lead to devastating outcomes. It is expected that property owners will keep their premises safe for guests, but accidents often happen because hazards are not checked or fixed. Dealing with personal injury claims in Vermont is not always easy as no one wants to admit fault, and victims don’t always understand the state laws. Following a slip-and-fall accident, you should get a premise liability lawyer on your side. Here are some primary aspects worth knowing.
Start with the simple steps
Before you contact an attorney to discuss your slip-and-fall injury, you need to do some homework on your own. Start by gathering as much evidence as you can, which includes taking pictures at the scene, maintaining records of your treatment, noting down the location, date, and time of your injury, and documenting the hazard, if possible. When you talk to an attorney, they will want as much information as available, which will help them determine whether you have a valid case.
Schedule a Free Consultation
The good news is most injury law firms in Vermont will be happy to offer a free consultation for potential clients. You can ask all relevant questions, discuss whether the case has worth, and what you can expect in a settlement. The lawyer will also explain the facts and circumstances that are likely to impact your claim.
Know your lawyer
Not all injury lawyers know what it takes to fight a premise liability lawsuit. Experience should be your first area of concern, and as a client, you can make a list of questions before you step in for the free consultation, such as –
- How often do you deal with slip and fall cases?
- How many such cases did you handle last year?
- What percentage of your practice is dedicated to personal injury cases?
- Have you ever sued the other party? Do you know if there are other cases against them?
- What is expected of me? What information would you want more?
- Do you ever represent clients in court? Do you have trial experience?
With premise liability lawsuits, you don’t have to worry about paying an upfront fee. Once you agree to hire an attorney, they will take charge and ask you to sign an engagement letter that will mention their contingency fee. The fee is a share of your settlement, but when you win the case.
