What to Look for in a Premises Liability Attorney
Whether you’re taking the kids to the city pool or grabbing a few groceries after work, you probably don’t expect the outing to end at the hospital. It’s reasonable to assume both public places and private establishments maintain their premises to a fairly safe standard. Put another way, they should be free of hazards that can cause serious injury.
Unfortunately, as many families have learned the hard way, not all property owners or occupiers take the steps needed to keep their premises safe. On average, unintentional falls are responsible for nearly 8 million emergency department visits across the United States each year. They’re also the second leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths in the country.
If you were seriously hurt after slipping and falling on someone else’s property, it’s only natural to want justice, and a seasoned attorney can help you seek it. Since you’ve probably never needed a premises liability lawyer, though, you may be wondering what to look for in such a professional.
To ensure your claim proceeds in good hands, look for someone who possesses the following:
- Honesty,
- Integrity,
- Compassion,
- Accessibility,
- Applicable experience,
- A good reputation within the legal community,
- An impressive track record of success,
- A long list of satisfied clients, and
- Transparency regarding their various fees.
It’s also worth mentioning that trial experience is a plus. While most premises liability claims are settled, a small portion do end up going all the way to court. If the insurance adjuster disputes liability in your case or otherwise refuses to offer a fair payout, you may have no choice but to file a formal lawsuit. Should this happen, you’ll want a seasoned litigation attorney by your side.
You should be able to confirm all the qualities listed above by doing a little research prior to your first meeting and then by asking the right questions during your initial consultation. For example, you can evaluate the firm’s awards and memberships, read testimonials from past clients, and review the practice areas they emphasize most on their website.
As for questions worth asking during your first meeting, examples include:
- Have you handled claims similar to mine?
- What do you think is the most likely outcome to my case?
- How long will you take to get back to me if I reach out with questions or concerns?
- Is my case likely to go to trial?
- What is your fee structure?
- What kinds of experts can you call upon within your professional network to assist with my claim?
Speak with a West Palm Beach Premises Liability Lawyer
If your life was disrupted in a major way because you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you deserve justice. For help holding the owner or occupier accountable, you can count on Donaldson & Weston.
We’re proud to go to bat for our clients, and the fact that we have secured several multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts is a testament to our tenacity. Call 561-299-3999 or fill out our Online Contact Form to set up a free case review with a premises liability attorney in West Palm Beach.
