You slipped and injured yourself on someone’s property in Jersey City. What’s next? Before you do anything else, see a qualified physician and seek medical care. The doctor should know how the accident happened. Next, inform the property manager or owner about the mishap in writing, and if your injuries are severe, you should inform the police. Premise liability claims are inherently complex, and it may make sense to talk to a slip and fall attorney in Jersey City. Here are some circumstances in which you need a lawyer.
You don’t know the worth of your claim
Ideally, your compensation should cover the cost of medical care related to the injuries, including long-term expenses. If you need to rest at home, you should also ask for wage losses and other related costs. You can also recover non-economic losses, such as mental anguish, pain, and suffering. If you are unsure of the worth of your claim, your best option is to let an expert review it. Injury lawyers deal with such cases all the time and have extensive knowledge in evaluating claims.
You are also at fault
New Jersey follows the modified comparative fault rule for slip and fall accidents. If you were negligent or liable for the mishap to an extent, you can only sue the property owner when your share of the blame is less than 50%. Also, the final compensation will be proportionated according to your fault percentage. For instance, if you received $10,000 in a settlement but were 30% at fault, you can now get $7,000. These calculations are complex, and it is best to get an attorney to protect your interests.
Your claim is denied
Insurance companies are often smart about undermining claims. The claims adjuster may tell you that your claim is not worth what you are asking for or may deny it on unverified grounds. Don’t assume that’s the end of the road, and consider meeting an attorney. Until then, avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company. Let your attorney negotiate your compensation.
Final word
If you are new to filing an injury claim, you may not know what it takes to investigate the case. Attorneys can use expert witnesses as required and will gather evidence from various sources. As injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, you don’t have to worry about paying an hourly rate. Affording an attorney doesn’t have to be about spending a lot right away.