Georgetown Slip and Fall Accident Attorney

Establishing Liability Following a Slip and Fall Accident

Kentucky is a comparative negligence state when it comes to personal injury. This means that damages may be awarded based on the percentage of fault a person is determined to have.

For example, if the court determines that your fall was 70% the result of the property owner’s negligence, you can receive 70% of the compensation.

While this can help victims secure some form of compensation, it can be difficult for someone who isn’t well-versed in personal injury law to determine how much they’re owed. Sorting everything out and proving who is to blame may be too much to handle on your own.

The good news is that you can enlist the help of an experienced Georgetown slip-and-fall injury attorney. Your lawyer will investigate your accident and know exactly what to look for as they attempt to establish the fault of the party that caused your damages.

Damages You Can Likely Claim Following a Slip and Fall Accident

You can pursue various damages if you sustained a severe injury in a slip and fall accident. All compensatory damages you are eligible to claim can be divided between the categories of economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

All financial losses you suffered as a result of your accident are categorized as economic damages. The most often claimed economic damages following a slip-and-fall accident include:

• Property damage
• Medical costs
• Future medical costs
• Lost income
• Lowered earning power

Non-Economic Damages

All other losses you endure because of your slip-and-fall accident are considered non-economic damages. The most often claimed non-economic damages following a slip-and-fall accident include:

• Mental anguish
• Decreased quality of life
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring or other disfigurements
• Loss of consortium

In extreme situations involving criminal negligence or actions taken with the purpose of causing harm, you may also be able to collect punitive damages. The court awards punitive damages to punish the liable party for their egregious actions.

Pay Attention to the Deadline for Filing Your Lawsuit

When attempting to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, it is critical that you are aware of the statute of limitations for the state in which you are filing. Kentucky has one of the country’s strictest personal injury statutes of limitations, with accident victims generally only having a year to file the paperwork necessary to sue the liable party.

However, there are exceptions to this standard deadline that could allow you to file a lawsuit long after the one-year deadline has passed. Of course, there are also exceptions that can greatly reduce the amount of time you have to file.

To ensure you meet all deadlines, the best option is to hire an experienced slip-and-fall accident attorney serving Georgetown. Your lawyer will be able to identify if any exceptions apply to your case and make sure you are aware of the specific deadline you must meet.

Use Caution When Dealing With an Insurance Adjuster

It is critical that you are careful in any communications you have with an insurance company after your accident. While these companies are supposed to be there as a safety net when people suffer misfortune, the truth is that they care far more about protecting profits than protecting people.

After an accident, an insurer will go to great lengths in an attempt to deny or devalue your claim. Unfortunately, many people believe these companies are on their side and take them at their word. This belief makes accident victims vulnerable to the tricks that insurance adjusters use to minimize the amount they have to pay.

The best action you can take to protect yourself is to decline to speak with the insurer until you have hired an experienced lawyer. Once you have hired a Georgetown slip-and-fall accident attorney, the insurer will be blocked from contacting you directly. This will help to level the playing field and give you the best chance of recovering the full value of your claim.

Slip and Fall Lawsuits Typically Resolve Through Settlements

If you are suing the liable party for damages after a slip and fall accident, you will likely find that your case will end with a settlement agreement. The reason these cases typically end in this fashion is that a settlement tends to be in the best interest of all parties involved. A settlement means a quicker resolution to your case and the option of avoiding an unpredictable trial.

Even though your lawsuit will likely end with a settlement, you still need to be prepared to fight for compensation in court. You may find that the opposing party is unwilling to negotiate, necessitating a courtroom battle to get the compensation you deserve.

Speak With a Georgetown Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer Today

When you hire an attorney to help you recover compensation after a slip-and-fall accident, you will greatly increase your chances of recovering the money you need. At McCoy & Hiestand, our team of slip and fall accident lawyers in Georgetown has a long history of helping accident victims recover the money they need.

Reach out to us today by giving us a call or completing our online contact form and schedule your free consultation.