When accidents happen and people are injured due to no fault of their own, they’re well advised to consult a personal injury lawyer. Accidents happen out of the blue but their consequences can have a devastating impact on not just the injured victim but often on his/her family too.

Mishaps like slip and fall accidents occur because of someone else’s fault or negligence. Those responsible for the maintenance of premises and property under their control have a duty to ensure that visitors remain safe. Injured victims are entitled to seek compensation for the losses they suffer.

Under Ontario laws, the Occupier’s Liability Act mandates that property owners have a duty to see that persons who legitimately enter the premises and their property are kept reasonably safe. Those who enter to commit a crime or trespassers are assumed to have willingly assumed the risks that may be present on the property that they choose to enter without permission.

Seeking compensation from property owners, whether private individuals, government/municipal bodies, large corporations etc can be challenging. If your injuries have caused you to be hospitalized, immobile, disabled etc it may not be possible for you to personally undertake the process of settlement with insurance companies, gather relevant evidence, conduct negotiations, complete the paperwork accurate and within the prescribed deadlines. An experienced Scarborough personal injury lawyer who regularly handles such cases can provide the right advice and assistance.

Hiring The Right Personal Injury Lawyer

As with all fields today, personal injury law is also a highly specialized profession. Although the general study of civil law is undertaken by all qualified lawyers, they go on to pursue the area of law that best appeals to them, such as personal injury or tort law, divorce, wills and testaments, corporate law etc. Under personal injury law too, lawyers tend to gain expertise, knowledge and experience in one particular area such as slip and fall, motor-vehicle accident, dog-bite, defamation etc.

Hence, it’s important to select the right personal injury lawyer to enhance your chances of a successful outcome, by asking the right questions before finally hiring them.

You will need information on:

• How many cases exactly like or similar to this have you handled before?
• What’s your track record?
• How many settlements and how many have gone to trial?
• Who in the firm will handle my case?
• Will I be comfortable with this person?
• Do I have a valid claim?
• How long will the process take approximately?
• What damages can I claim?
• How much can I expect in terms of settlement?
• If the case cannot be settled out-of-court, can you take it to trial?
• What are the costs for out-of-court settlement and for trial?
• What is your fee structure? What percentage of settlement comprises your fee? Do you have a contingency fee arrangement? How do you charge expenses?

You will have to check their credentials, background and reputation thoroughly. Get all details down in writing, including fee structure and payment schedules. Scarborough personal injury lawyers can also assist you with getting medical and rehabilitation assistance and putting together a robust claim for compensation.