What to Ask Before Hiring a Premises Liability Attorney
If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, a personal injury attorney can help you seek damages. Even if you sustained only minor injuries, the associated losses can add up fast, so it’s likely worth taking action.
Unfortunately, not all personal injury lawyers are equipped to handle claims involving premises liability. Such cases are inherently complex and demand extensive knowledge of very specific areas of tort law.
Put another way, it’s not enough to turn to a seasoned attorney for guidance. You want to make sure you turn to theright lawyer, since the outcome of claim will inevitably depend on the caliber of the counsel you retain.
The easiest way to determine whether you’ve found the best attorney for the job is by asking certain questions during your initial consultation and then evaluating the answers. Read on to learn what those questions are, and what you should be looking for in each response:
1. Have You Handled Claims Similar to Mine?
The importance of relevant experience cannot be understated when choosing a lawyer. During your first meeting, make sure to ask how much of the firm’s case work in general regards premises liability and then whether the attorney in question has handled many of those claims specifically. While no two slip and fall actions are the same, most call for similar legal strategies.
2. What Kinds of Resources Can You Call Upon When Building My Case?
Putting together a strong premises liability claim demands a lot of resources. For example, insurance adjusters often want to see statements from various experts, like medical specialists, economists, and accident reconstruction experts. As such, it’s imperative to enlist help from someone who has a vast professional network and can call upon their colleagues as needed to compile evidence of liability and damages.
3. What Do You Think Is the Most Likely Outcome of My Action?
Since the personal injury claims process is inherently unpredictable, a reputable lawyer will never promise to achieve a particular outcome for you. Instead, they should discuss all potential results with you openly. They might share their professional opinion regarding the most likely outcome based on the facts of the case, but they won’t make any guarantees.
4. What Is Your Fee Structure?
Firms that practice with integrity are transparent about their fee structure. Your attorney should be upfront about the percentage of the payout they’ll take should the claim be successful. They should also make sure you have a clear understanding of any additional fees you might be responsible for, regardless of the outcome of the case.
Beware of firms that promise to take your claim for a low, flat rate. They won’t have any stake in the outcome of your claim, so chances are they’ll just want to resolve it as quickly as possible. This could end up with you leaving a considerable amount of money on the table.
Discuss Your Claim with a Premises Liability Lawyer in Florida
Were you seriously hurt because someone failed to maintain their property to a reasonably safe standard? For help seeking compensation, turn to Emerson Straw.
Our tenacious team has secured more than $27 million for our valued clients. Call (727) 821-1500 or fill out our Contact Form to set up a free case review with a premises liability attorney in Florida.