Man With a Broken Arm After a Slip & Fall Accident in Cedar RapidsIf you or a loved one has been injured after a fall on another person or business's property, it is important to get the legal help you need to protect your rights. An experienced Cedar Rapids slip and fall lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

To learn more about when to call one, how to find one, and much more, continue reading our helpful guide to hiring the right attorney for your specific needs.

When to Call a Slip and Fall Attorney in Cedar Rapids

When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you determine whether you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit and ensure that your rights are protected. An attorney can also provide the legal guidance you need to take the necessary steps to file a claim.

If you wait too long to contact a lawyer, you may miss the necessary deadline for filing a claim, and evidence that can be used to support your claim may no longer be available. Contacting a lawyer immediately following an accident will help you recover compensation as quickly as possible.

How to Find the Best Cedar Rapids Slip and Fall Lawyer

One of the first steps in choosing a reputable Cedar Rapids slip and fall attorney is researching qualified attorneys specializing in this type of law. Start by asking your friends, family members, or colleagues if they have experience with any local attorneys they would recommend. You can also search online for qualified attorneys in your area, read reviews from past clients, look at case results to see what other clients have received as settlements, or contact local bar associations for referrals.

Once you have compiled a list of potential lawyers, it is time to start making calls and setting up consultations to meet with them. At this initial meeting, you will want to ask about each lawyer’s experience in handling cases similar to yours, as well as their track record in court and whether they are familiar with relevant laws. It’s also essential to make sure that your lawyer has the resources necessary to handle your case effectively, such as access to medical experts or other specialized witnesses who may be able to testify on your behalf. Lastly, consider whether or not the lawyer is someone you feel comfortable working with since you will be spending a lot of time together discussing your case.

Also, remember that some attorneys work on contingency fees while others charge hourly rates or require upfront payments; make sure that these fees are discussed clearly before signing anything, so there are clear understandings later down the line.  Once all these considerations have been taken into account, it's time to make an informed decision about who will represent you during this difficult time. 

How Long Do I Have to Get a Lawyer After a Slip and Fall Accident in Cedar Rapids?

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Iowa is two years from the date of the accident or injury. This means that if you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you have two years from that date to file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. It's very important to note that this two-year period begins on the day that your injury occurred and not on the date when you realize something may be wrong or when you decide to seek medical attention. 

This is why contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your accident is important. Your Cedar Rapids slip and fall lawyer can help make sure that all necessary paperwork is filed within this two-year window so that your rights are fully protected under Iowa law. Additionally, having legal counsel on your side can ensure that any settlement negotiations go smoothly and efficiently, helping reduce any delays in getting you compensation for your injuries.

Once the statute of limitations has passed, it is generally impossible to file a claim to recover damages.

Why You Should Use a Slip and Fall Lawyer for Help Filing a Claim 

When it comes to filing a slip and fall claim, an experienced attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney can help you determine whether you have a viable claim, what party should be held liable, and provide you with the legal guidance you need to navigate the process of filing a lawsuit.

A slip and fall attorney in Cedar Rapids, IA, will do the following to help with your case:

  • Determine the value of your case and what damages you are entitled to receive. In Iowa, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
  • Collect valuable evidence that can be used to support your claim, such as medical records, video surveillance, photos of the accident scene, and witness statements.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf so you can receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
  • Take your case to trial if it is not settled with the insurance company.

Lawyer fees for slip and fall cases vary significantly from one case to another. The type of damages sought, such as medical expenses or lost wages, can impact the amount charged by your attorney. The nature of the injury also plays a role in determining legal costs. A lawyer may charge more for complex cases that require extensive research and negotiation skills than simpler cases with fewer complications. Additionally, attorneys often charge more if they are required to go to trial rather than settling out of court.

In many cases, lawyers who take on slip and fall cases will use a contingency fee arrangement. This means that the lawyer’s fee is based on a percentage of the total settlement or jury award obtained for their client. In this situation, there would be no upfront payment by the client; instead, fees are paid directly from the settlement funds after the conclusion of representation. Some lawyers, such as Hupy and Abraham, offer a Win or It’s Free Guarantee, meaning they only get paid if they win your case or secure an acceptable settlement offer on your behalf.

Before hiring a Cedar Rapids slip & fall lawyer, make sure you understand the type of payment arrangement being offered.

What Can I Do if My Slip and Fall Claim Is Denied?

If your slip & fall claim was denied, the next step is understanding the reason why. It could be because of something as simple as a missing form or incorrect information. In some cases, the insurance company may have determined that you were partially responsible for the accident or that the injury was not severe enough to warrant a payout.

In order to successfully re-file your slip and fall injury claim, you'll need to provide evidence that supports your case. This could include medical records, witness statements, photos of the accident site, and anything else that shows how the incident occurred and how it has impacted you medically or financially. Make sure all evidence is organized and up-to-date before submitting it with your re-filed claim.

If you're unsure how best to file a new slip and fall injury claim after yours was denied, reaching out to an experienced attorney is always a good idea. A lawyer specializing in personal injury law will be able to review the details of your case and advise on which steps make sense for you moving forward. Plus, they can assist with ensuring that all necessary documents are completed properly, so there are no further delays in processing the claim. You generally will have 30 days of receiving notice of denial to file an appeal.

Cedar Rapids slip and fall lawyerContact Our Cedar Rapids Slip and Fall Lawyer for a Free Consult

At Hupy and Abraham, our Cedar Rapids slip & fall attorney has extensive experience handling these types of cases in Iowa. We are committed to helping accident victims get the justice they deserve and work hard to ensure that our client’s rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall, contact us today for a free consultation. To set up a confidential appointment, fill out our convenient contact form online or call our office at 800-800-5678.