At Maison Law, we advocate on behalf of slip-and-fall accident victims across California. There is no hourly charge for our legal services and we offer free consultations to all who seek advice concerning their legal matters. We operate on a “contingency” basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. For more information on your legal right to compensation, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Are California Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Fees Negotiable?
Yes, lawyer fees can be negotiable. If you have a straightforward case that is likely to settle quickly, then you may consider lowering an attorney’s fee if there is not much work to be done. However, most slip-and-fall cases are complex because they can potentially involve several liable parties and witnesses, depending on the details of your case. If you decide to negotiate an attorney’s fee, it is recommended to take into account the following factors.
- The likelihood of winning the case: if you have a high chance of winning your case, then your attorney will most likely be willing to negotiate a lower fee.
- The complexity of the case: the more complex your case, the higher the fee can become due to the time and resources required.
- Settlement v. Trial: attorneys can charge a lower contingency fee if the case is expected to settle out of court.
Initial Consultation With a California Slip-and-Fall Lawyer
Most slip-and-fall lawyers offer free initial consultations. During an initial consultation, you are under no obligation to hire the attorney or pay them a fee for their services. In the same breath, an attorney is under no obligation to represent you in your slip-and-fall case. Before your first meeting with a potential lawyer, you should be prepared. You can present your case to a slip-and-fall lawyer in a professional manner by:
- Jotting down the key points in your case to share with them, or give them a written copy
- Bring the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone connected with the case
- Bring all papers related to the case as they might be helpful for the lawyer to review
- Prepare questions for the lawyer such as:
- Have they handled similar cases to yours?
- Did they settle or go to trial?
- How many clients have they represented in court?
- How many trial cases have they won?
The more prepared you are, the better your initial consultation will be. Be aware, that if a lawyer is unprepared to answer your questions or makes bold promises about the outcome of your case, then you may want to consider speaking with an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer to help you with your claim.
When Should I Hire a California Slip-and-Fall Lawyer?
When it comes to slip-and-fall accidents, a lawyer can help you understand your legal options, as well as protect your right to compensation. If you’ve suffered injuries from a slip-and-fall accident, it is recommended to consult with an attorney, even if you were partially at fault for the accident. With an attorney on your side, they will:
- Identify All Liable Parties: Slip-and-fall accidents can involve multiple “at-fault” parties. An accident attorney will collect all liable parties and file a personal injury lawsuit against them, maximizing your chance at full, financial recovery.
- Follow Proper Legal Procedures: An experienced attorney understands the complexities of suing liable parties and the specific legal rules that must be followed. Having your lawsuit properly filed and the details of your situation perfectly outlined for the insurance adjuster will let the defense know you are aware of your rights and are prepared to exercise them through an attorney.
- Prepare for Litigation: An attorney will expedite the litigation process if no acceptable offer is made. They will prepare you for trial, handle all legal proceedings, and represent you in court.
- Allow you to focus on Recovery: Hiring a well-practiced attorney will allow you to recover, while they deal with the legal side of your case for you. Not only will this give you a better chance at compensation, but it will alleviate your stress and give you peace of mind while dealing with a very traumatic time in your life.
Contact a California Slip-and-Fall Lawyer
You only get one chance at fair compensation for all you’ve gone through. So, it is important that you partner with a trusted personal injury law firm that takes the time to understand both the factual and legal sides of your case. If you’ve lost confidence in your current representation, or are seeking legal advice for the first time, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront fees for our services and you will not be charged unless we win your case.