Workers Compensation: Your Safety Net

Have you recently been involved in a slip and fall accident that resulted in injuries? If so, a personal injury lawyer, such as William D. Hochberg, may be able to help you recover a settlement to cover the cost of any financial damages you may have incurred. However, not all slip and fall accidents will result in a viable injury claim. Taking the time to review the facts outlined below will help you to determine whether or not your claim has merit and ultimately determine what the next step in your case should be.

The Burden Of Proof Is Yours

In order to collect compensation in a slip and fall case, you will need to prove that the named defendant acted in a negligent manner and that this negligence resulted in your injuries. While many people believe that the defendant will be charged with the task of proving their innocence, the truth is the defendant does not need to prove a thing. Instead, the burden of proof will be entirely yours in this type of case. If you are unable to present convincing evidence regarding the defendant's negligence, your claim against the defendant can be thrown out even if they have yet to speak a single word.

You Cannot Collect Without Damages

In order to collect compensation in an slip and fall case, you will need to demonstrate to the court that you suffered real damages as the result of your accident. These real damages are defined as financial losses that can be tied to an exact dollar amount, such as medical bills and lost wages.

While the pain and suffering your experienced as a result of your injuries may be quite real, these negative experiences do not come with a dollar amount attached to them. Consequently, these problems alone will not constitute real damages for the purpose of filing a personal injury claim. If you are unable to demonstrate the presence of real damages in your case, the judge will have no choice but to deny your claim for compensation even if they find the defendant to be liable for causing your accident.

You Don't Need Money To Hire An Attorney

It is no secret that hiring a qualified personal injury lawyer is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances of being successful in your claim. Unfortunately, far too many accident victims choose not to seek legal counsel due to their lack of financial resources. If you have are also a bit hesitant to seek out these services due to your current financial situation, you should know that you can secure the services of a reputable attorney without spending any money upfront. This is because most injury lawyers will take your case on a contingency basis rather than requiring you to pay your legal fees upfront. This means that you do not pay anything until after you collect on your claim.