Injured individuals who fall due to hazardous conditions from a slip and fall are generally entitled to a court hearing, but this isn’t always the case. The District of Columbia regulates slip and fall injuries very specifically, and it is important to follow the rules in order to succeed in the claim.
You Don’t Need an Attorney to File a Slip and Fall Claim
It’s highly recommended that you hire a lawyer if possible when filing a slip and fall claim in Washington D.C. You will not only be able to navigate the legal system with an experienced attorney if your claim involves local laws governing such claims, but you will also be able to get your case handled in an efficient and timely manner thanks to their expertise in local laws.
You Don’t Have to Prove Negligence to Win a Slip and Fall Claim
You will have a better chance of succeeding with your claim if you establish certain elements of liability. In order to establish negligence, you must show that the responsible party failed to meet its duty of care, causing an injury as a result of that failure. If these elements aren’t proven, you may not win your case.
You Can’t Get Compensation for Pain and Suffering
Even though slip-and-fall claims typically seek damages only for economic losses, including lost wages and medical expenses, Washington D.C. claims may also include non-economic damages. Slip and fall accident claims can recover pain and suffering, loss of consortium, emotional distress, and many other intangibles.
Your Settlement Is Determined by the Severity of Your Injury
The severity of a claimant’s injuries does tend to translate into larger settlements, but this isn’t the only factor. The amount of damages awarded can also be affected by other factors, such as negligence on the defendant’s part, degree of fault, and the availability of insurance coverage. Before filing a lawsuit, you should consult with an experienced attorney who can help you determine the validity of your claim.
You Have to Pay Your Attorney Out of Pocket
Most of the time, personal injury attorneys have contingency fee agreements. As a result, you won’t owe your lawyer any money upfront, instead agreeing to pay them a percentage of your settlement or award. By doing so, you won’t have to worry about paying your lawyer before finding out how your claim will turn out. If you don’t win, you don’t pay.
It’s Too Late to File a Slip and Fall Claim
The District of Columbia allows you to take legal action after an accident if you meet the statute of limitations. You can obtain an overview of the steps involved in pursuing a claim from an experienced attorney who can determine if you still have time.
Slip and fall claims in Washington D.C. are often misunderstood, but with the proper resources, evidence and legal professionals by your side, you can navigate the legal system successfully and obtain justice. Let these myths not stand in the way of your claim – contact an experienced attorney today.
Roeser Law: Slip and Fall Accidents
Get legal advice from Roeser Law Firm if you are hurt in a slip and fall, whether it occurs on private or public property. You can reach our legal team online or by calling us at (202) 660-4070 for a free evaluation of your case.
