The unexpected outcomes from a slip and fall injury can turn your life upside down. The medical bills to pay, a job you’re missing, and the emotional tension it could lead to for you and your family. Slip and fall is a broad term for personal injury and negligence cases in New York, and so when you are considering pursuing such a lawsuit, there is a lot to know about the process and what to expect. Below, we describe each step in a typical situation and examples that might help you know what to expect.
The Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The initial stage of any slip-and-fall lawsuit is to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case. During our consultation, an attorney will go over all the particulars of your accident: when and how it occurred, what injuries you’ve suffered, and any evidence, such as photographs or witness statements, you can provide. The aim is to find out if you have a viable case and what steps you should take next.
For instance, if you slipped on a wet floor in a grocery store that gave you no warning of the wet surface, your lawyer will determine whether the store’s negligence caused your injuries. It’s essential to get an experienced attorney in your corner at this stage because they will guide you through gathering and presenting the evidence you’ll need to be successful. If you need assistance, reach out to The Law Office of Olena Manilich to learn about your options.
Filing the Lawsuit
When your attorney believes they have a valid claim, they will file a formal complaint with the court. This document describes your claim against the property owner or responsible party and how much you are seeking for your injuries. The lawsuit is a formal entry into the legal system. A filing that starts the process and sets the stage for negotiations or to go to trial.
Say you are going for $50,000 in medical bills and lost pay. In New York City’s courts, filing a complaint costs anywhere from $210 to $335, depending on the court. Your attorney will make sure all the paperwork is correct and submitted on time, preventing you from having delays. Visit our slip and fall service page and see how we simplify this process.
The Discovery Phase
Once the lawsuit is filed, both sides begin the discovery phase. During this process, your attorney and the other side send each other evidence, request documents, and take depositions. That stage is critical because it gives both sides a chance to gather information and build their case.
For example, if your medical prescription shows that you will need long-term rehabilitation as a result of your broken hip, this information can make your case for the money owed higher. Discovery can last some months, depending on the particulars of your case, but we will manage each and every detail and keep you in the know throughout.
Settlement Negotiations
Because most slip-and-fall cases in NYC settle pretrial. Your lawyer will negotiate a settlement, aiming for adequate compensation for your injuries. These sums should suffice for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Let’s say the property owner offers you $20,000, but your damages amount to $40,000. Your attorney will work hard to close that gap and secure a fair settlement for you. Bringing in a skilled negotiator can be a game changer. Call us today so you can be fully compensated.
Going to Trial
If an agreement is not reached in settlement negotiations, your case will go to trial. At trial, your attorney solicits evidence, calls witnesses, and makes your arguments before a judge or jury. The court will then determine whether the property owner was liable and, if so, the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Trials are unpredictable and can be days or weeks long. In one case, where a landlord had not repaired a broken stairwell if the evidence strongly indicates that there was negligence, the jury may award $100,000 in damages. Although trial costs can add up a bit, we make an effort to minimize your expenses and maximize your recovery. Schedule a consultation to find out more about how we can help you make your case in court.
Legal Costs and Compensation
Slip-and-fall cases have many costs, such as the cost of filing with a court, the cost of expert witnesses, and attorney’s fees. These cases can range, typically costing between $5,000 and $15,000, but many lawyers, ours included, work on a contingency basis. This means you only have to pay when you win your case, so legal representation is within everyone’s reach.
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the degree of negligence involved, and a range of other factors. Some resolve for as little as $10,000; others go over $100,000. To find out what your case might be worth, contact our experienced legal team.
Why Choose The Law Office of Olena Manilich
Some make it a point to file slip-and-fall lawsuits in NYC, but it can be a daunting task; you are not on this journey alone, however. At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we offer legal services with compassion and professionalism to suit your situation.
Whatever level of assistance you require with collecting evidence, negotiating a settlement, or trial preparation, we are here to help you at each step of the process. Book your consultation and begin the journey to justice.
