UPDATE: Michigan Slip & Fall Law has changed. The information on this page was written prior to the change in the law and may be out of date. Please Click Here for updated information on the new law for Slip & Fall cases in Michigan.
While a slip and fall claim may seem straightforward, these cases are actually more complex than many people realize. If you are seriously injured, hiring an experienced slip and fall lawyer is the best way to receive the compensation you are entitled to. However, it is important to find the right lawyer, one with the necessary skills, experience and resources to win the settlement you deserve. Here is a guide to finding the best Michigan slip and fall attorneys.
While the law does not require plaintiffs to have legal representation, there is extensive research showing clients who hire attorneys have more successful outcomes. There are many reasons for this.
While you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages if you are injured in a fall on someone else’s property, receiving the settlement you deserve is not that simple. Most of these cases involve complex legal issues that require the expertise of a slip and fall attorney with knowledge and experience. In addition, claims and other paperwork must be filed according to specific rules and deadlines.
Furthermore, if a case proceeds to court, an experienced trial lawyer is the best person to persuade a judge and jury to award the damages you deserve.
Recommended reading: How To Know If You Have Grounds For A Slip And Fall Injury Claim
Generally, yes. Several studies show victims who hire experienced slip and fall attorneys receive more compensation than those who face the insurance companies alone.
In fact, research by the Insurance Research Council found plaintiffs represented by attorneys received three-and-a-half times higher settlements than those without lawyers.
Additionally, a study by Lawyers.com showed those who hired lawyers won twice as many cases and received settlements approximately three times higher than unrepresented victims.
Since receiving compensation is the number one reason victims file lawsuits, it makes sense to hire a Michigan slip and fall attorney with a proven track record of winning large verdicts and settlements.
Recommended reading: How Slip and Fall Settlements and Compensation Are Determined
Asking the right questions is key to finding the best Michigan slip and fall attorney. Because personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, it pays to meet with one or more prospects before making a decision.
Here are some questions to help you determine whether an attorney is right for you:
What Is Your Experience With Slip And Fall Cases Like Mine?
Remember, not every personal injury lawyer specializes in slip and fall claims. Ask the attorney you are interviewing about their experience with cases like yours. How many have they handled? What were the results?
Will I Have To Pay Any Up-Front Fees?
Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they typically do not ask clients for money when they take a case. Instead, they collect their fees, usually one-third of the settlement minus expenses, after the case is resolved.
The Sam Bernstein Law Firm calls this our No-fee Guarantee®, and we have stood by it for more than 50 years. Simply put, we don’t get paid until we win your case. Guaranteed.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive?
While it may be difficult to provide an exact amount during an initial consultation, an experienced lawyer can often provide a general estimate of how much your case is worth and whether you are eligible to recover damages for intangible losses such as pain and suffering.
What Kinds Of Verdicts And Settlements Have You Won In Cases Like Mine?
Ask for examples of how much money other clients received in situations comparable to yours. Look for a slip and fall lawyer with a proven track record of large verdicts and settlements in similar cases.
Who Will Be Working On My Case?
Sometimes the lawyer you meet with initially is not the one who will ultimately work on your case. Many large firms have teams consisting of one or more attorneys, a paralegal and other support staff. Ask who your primary contact will be and make sure you are comfortable before making a final decision.
How Long Will My Case Take?
This can depend on many factors, and some insurance companies try to pressure victims to accept hasty – and usually lowball – settlements. However, while immediate compensation may be tempting, you are likely to win a considerably more by hiring a slip and fall attorney.
What Happens If My Case Goes To Trial?
The best Michigan slip and fall attorneys have extensive trial experience and are familiar with courtroom personnel and procedures. Furthermore, lawyers who are not hesitant to take a case to trial are usually stronger negotiators.
“We want you to make the right decision for you and your family,” says Mark Bernstein of The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, “so we don’t shy away from questions. We welcome them.”
Recommended reading: Slip and Fall Accidents Are More Complex Than They Seem: Five Reasons to Hire an Attorney
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, we can help. With over 600 years combined legal experience, our three-generation family law firm has been winning large settlements for Michigan clients for more than five decades.
Our long list of honors and awards reflects our longstanding reputation for exceptional leadership and outstanding professional accomplishments.
Don’t let the legal clock run out. The experienced slip and fall lawyers at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Slip and fall law is complicated, but finding the right slip and fall attorney is simple.
Get the Bernstein Advantage® today.
Click the button below to fill out a short form, or call 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation remote consultation with a member of our legal team.
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