On TV, when you see an injury case where an accident lawyer is involved, the defendant has often been the victim of a major vehicle collision and is suffering from serious, traumatic and often very visible injuries (think neck braces and leg casts.) However, in the real world, accident lawyers are more likely to oversee much less dramatic cases, like ones involving a slip, trip or fall.
Even though the injuries from these kinds of accidents are much less theatrical, they can still be debilitating enough to warrant hiring an accident lawyer; often, injuries from slips, trips and falls can involve broken bones, nerve damage or worse and can cause the victim to lose income from work for weeks or even months at a time.
Many Ottawa law firms will take on cases involving these types of incidents, but it’s a good idea to know how and when you need an accident lawyer before you get started.
When to hire an accident lawyer
Knowing when to hire an accident lawyer is simple: if you’ve suffered any damages or feel your slip, trip or fall could have been prevented by the at-fault party, chances are a local Ottawa law firm will be able to help you with your case.
Injuries sustained from slips, trips or falls can often be very minor – bruises, scrapes or minor damage – and may not warrant a full case if the victim didn’t miss work for an extended period of time or have another form of palpable damage. However, it’s a good idea to contact a local law firm in Ottawa if you’re unsure.
How an accident lawyer can help your case
There are two significant aspects of your case an accident lawyer is better equipped to handle for you, than on your own. Both aspects involve proof. Hiring a reputable lawyer from a local law firm in Ottawa will help you to know the law and where you stand and the lawyer can make sure you have proof of liability and damages.
Proving liability is the first step in determining whether or not you even have a case. Was the other party at fault? Did they fail to take the precautionary measures they should have? An accident lawyer will be the best tool you have in proving liability.
After liability has been proven, you have to prove you went through significant damages, whether they are monetary, personal or health-related. Again, a lawyer from an Ottawa law firm should be able to efficiently prove the damages you suffered after a slip, trip or fall.
