Do I Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall? A Guide

It often starts with a phone call. An insurance adjuster from the property owner’s company sounds friendly and concerned, asking you to give a recorded statement about your fall. It seems harmless, but this is a critical moment. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay as little as possible. They have teams of professionals working to protect their interests, not yours. This power imbalance can leave you feeling pressured and unsure. It’s why so many people find themselves asking, “do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall?” We’ll explain the tactics insurers use and how an attorney can level the playing field, ensuring you are treated fairly.

Key Takeaways

• Your Case Is About Proving Negligence, Not Just Falling: To have a successful claim, you must show that the property owner knew (or should have known) about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you, directly causing your injuries.
• Document Everything Immediately After Your Fall: While your health is the top priority, gathering evidence on the spot is essential. Take photos of the hazard, report the incident to a manager, and get contact information from any witnesses to build a strong foundation for your case.
• A Lawyer Levels the Playing Field with Insurers: Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts. An experienced attorney handles all negotiations, calculates the true value of your claim beyond just initial bills, and manages critical deadlines so you can focus on healing.

What Exactly Is a Slip and Fall Case?

A slip and fall case is a type of personal injury claim that arises when you’re injured from slipping, tripping, or falling because of a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. These incidents are covered by a legal concept called “premises liability,” which basically means property owners have a duty to keep their spaces reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to do that and you get hurt as a result, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.

These cases can be more complicated than they seem. It’s not always clear who is at fault, and the property owner or their insurance company might even try to blame you for the accident to avoid responsibility. They could argue you weren’t paying attention or were wearing the wrong shoes, for example. This is why it’s so important to understand your situation. A slip and fall claim is about more than just an accident; it’s about proving that a property owner’s carelessness directly caused your injuries and the challenges that followed.

Common Causes and Resulting Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and are usually caused by hazards that a property owner should have fixed. Some of the most common causes include wet floors without warning signs, uneven sidewalks, poor lighting in stairways, torn carpeting, or cluttered aisles in a store. While these might seem like minor issues, they can lead to serious consequences.

The injuries from a fall are often much more severe than a few scrapes. We frequently see clients suffering from broken bones, torn ligaments, spinal cord damage, and even traumatic head injuries. These injuries don’t just cause immediate pain—they can result in overwhelming medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, and significant financial stress for you and your family.

The Long-Term Impact of a Fall

The effects of a serious fall can stick with you long after the incident. An injury that seems manageable at first can develop into chronic pain, limited mobility, or a permanent disability that changes your life. Many people find they can no longer perform their job duties or enjoy the activities they once loved, leading to a loss of income and a lower quality of life.

Beyond the physical recovery, there is a heavy emotional toll. Coping with a long healing process, financial worries, and the frustration of not being able to do things for yourself can lead to anxiety and depression. Because these injuries can cause such long-lasting pain, it’s essential to consider the full potential impact when deciding what to do next.

Know Your Legal Rights and Deadlines

If you were injured in California due to a property owner’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. To build a successful claim, you typically need to prove four things: the owner had a duty to keep the property safe, they failed in that duty, their failure caused your fall, and you suffered actual damages (like medical bills and lost income) because of it.

It’s also critical to act quickly. In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to file a lawsuit forever. Many personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss your case, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to understand your options.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Fall?

After a fall, you’re likely dealing with pain, stress, and a growing pile of bills. It’s natural to wonder if you can handle the situation on your own or if it’s time to call a professional. The answer often depends on a few key factors, from how badly you were hurt to who was at fault. Thinking through these points can help you decide on the best path forward for your recovery and your financial stability.

How Severe Are Your Injuries?

A minor scrape or bruise that heals in a few days might not require legal action. But slip and fall accidents can cause serious harm, like broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries. If your fall has resulted in significant medical bills, forced you to miss work, or left you with chronic pain, it’s a strong sign you should speak with an attorney. Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into long-term problems. A lawyer can help you understand the full scope of your potential damages, ensuring you account for future medical care and lost earning capacity, not just the immediate costs.

Factors That Can Complicate Your Case

Slip and fall cases can get complicated quickly. Unlike a straightforward car accident, it’s not always obvious who is at fault. The property owner might argue that you were clumsy, not paying attention, or wearing the wrong shoes. They may even try to claim the hazard was so obvious you should have avoided it. To win your case, you have to prove that the property owner was negligent and that their carelessness directly caused your injuries. An experienced lawyer knows how to cut through these arguments and build a case focused on the facts, protecting you from unfair blame.

Identifying Who Is Responsible

To have a successful claim, you must show that the property owner was legally responsible for your accident. This breaks down into four key elements. First, you have to establish that the owner had a duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. Second, you must prove they breached that duty—for example, by failing to clean up a spill or fix a broken step. Third, you need to show that this specific failure caused your fall. Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, as a result of the fall. Proving all four of these points is essential.

When the Insurance Company Gets Involved

When you file a claim against a property owner, you’re almost always dealing with their insurance company—and its team of adjusters and lawyers. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible. They might try to get you to accept a quick, lowball settlement or twist your words to make it seem like the fall was your fault. Taking on a large insurance corporation alone is an uphill battle. A personal injury lawyer levels the playing field. They handle all communications, negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and protect you from tactics designed to weaken your claim.

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help

When you’re recovering from an injury, the last thing you want to do is manage a complicated legal claim. A slip and fall lawyer steps in to handle the entire process for you, from start to finish. Think of them as your dedicated advocate, working to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Their job is to build a strong case on your behalf, deal with the insurance companies, and make sure you can focus on what matters most: your health. With an expert on your side, you can feel confident that every detail is being handled correctly while you recover.

An attorney brings a level of experience and knowledge that is essential in these cases. They understand the tactics property owners and their insurance carriers use to minimize their responsibility and will work to counteract them. From the moment you hire them, they begin a thorough investigation to establish exactly what happened and who is liable. They will handle all the phone calls, emails, and negotiations, acting as a crucial buffer between you and the insurance adjusters who are trained to settle claims for as little as possible. Your lawyer will also meticulously calculate the full extent of your damages—not just the immediate medical bills, but the long-term costs associated with your injury. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are fighting for a settlement that truly reflects what you have lost.

Investigating Your Accident and Gathering Evidence

A slip and fall case can be complex because proving who is at fault isn’t always straightforward. The property owner might try to shift the blame onto you, making it difficult to get fair compensation. Your lawyer acts as your personal investigator to get to the bottom of what happened. They will gather crucial evidence like security camera footage, accident reports, witness statements, and maintenance records. This evidence helps establish that the property owner was negligent and that their failure to maintain a safe environment directly caused your injuries. This detailed investigation is the foundation of a strong claim.

Handling All Communication with Insurers

Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly stressful. Their adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, which often means trying to minimize your payout or get you to say something that hurts your claim. When you hire a lawyer, they take over all of these conversations for you. Your attorney will handle all negotiations with insurers, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way. This prevents you from being pressured into accepting a lowball offer and allows your lawyer to fight for a settlement that truly covers your losses. You can rest easy knowing a professional is managing these tough conversations.

Calculating the True Value of Your Claim

How much is your claim actually worth? It’s almost always more than just your initial medical bills. An experienced lawyer knows how to calculate the full and fair value of your claim by considering all of your damages. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, reduced earning capacity, and the physical and emotional pain and suffering you’ve endured. By presenting a detailed account of your losses, your attorney can demonstrate the true impact of your injuries and work to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Managing Critical Deadlines and Paperwork

The legal process involves a mountain of paperwork and strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. Missing a single deadline can result in your entire case being dismissed. A slip and fall lawyer manages all of this for you. They will file the necessary legal documents, respond to requests from the opposing side, and ensure every deadline is met. This attention to detail is critical for keeping your case on track and allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of managing complex legal procedures. This administrative support is invaluable when you’re trying to get your life back to normal.

Representing You in Court

While most personal injury cases are settled out of court, sometimes the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. If that happens, you need someone ready to fight for you at trial. A skilled slip and fall lawyer is prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you in front of a judge and jury. Having an attorney who is willing and able to represent you in court sends a strong message to the insurance company that you won’t back down. This readiness for trial often gives you more leverage during negotiations, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

Build a Strong Case with the Right Evidence

After a fall, your priority is healing. But to get the compensation you need for that healing, you have to build a strong case. A strong case is built on a foundation of solid evidence. It’s about more than just your word against the property owner’s; it’s about presenting clear, undeniable proof of what happened and why they are responsible. It can feel overwhelming, but understanding what you need is the first step. Let’s walk through the key pieces of evidence that can make or break a slip and fall claim.

What Evidence Do You Need to Collect?

To successfully pursue your claim, you need evidence that tells the whole story. First, you must show that the property owner was negligent—meaning they failed to keep their property reasonably safe. Second, you have to connect their negligence directly to your fall and the injuries you sustained. Finally, you need to provide proof of your damages. This includes not just medical bills for your treatment but also documentation of lost wages from being unable to work, and evidence of your pain and suffering. Each piece of evidence works together to create a clear picture of the owner’s responsibility and the true impact the accident has had on your life.

How to Prove a Property Owner Was Negligent

Proving negligence might sound like a complicated legal term, but it breaks down into four simple parts. First, you must show the property owner had a duty to keep you safe. Second, you prove they breached that duty by failing to fix a hazard or warn you about it. Third, you must demonstrate that their failure directly caused your fall. Finally, you have to show you suffered damages, like injuries and financial losses, as a result. A lawyer can help you establish negligence by connecting these four points with strong evidence, making it clear that the property owner is legally responsible for what happened to you.

Key Documents for Your Claim

Think of yourself as the lead detective in your own case. The more information you can gather right away, the stronger your claim will be. Start by taking photos of the exact spot where you fell, capturing the hazard that caused it from multiple angles. If you can, get pictures of your injuries, too. Be sure to get the contact and insurance information for the property owner or manager. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number—witnesses are incredibly valuable. Finally, if an official incident or police report was filed, get a copy. These initial documents are the building blocks for filing a personal injury claim.

The Importance of Witness and Video Evidence

Your account of what happened is essential, but evidence from a neutral third party can be even more powerful. A statement from a witness who saw you fall or noticed the dangerous condition beforehand can confirm your story and counter any claims that you were at fault. Even better is video footage. Many businesses have security cameras that may have captured the accident. This kind of visual evidence is objective and difficult for an insurance company to argue with. An experienced attorney knows how to formally request and preserve this footage before it gets erased, which can be a game-changer for your case.

Why Maintenance Records Are Crucial

Sometimes, the most damning evidence is tucked away in a property owner’s files. Maintenance records, cleaning logs, and repair schedules can reveal a history of neglect. For example, a logbook might show that a spill wasn’t cleaned up for hours or that a known hazard, like a broken step, was ignored for weeks. These documents can prove the property owner knew about the dangerous condition (or should have known) and did nothing about it. Because liability is not always clear-cut, property owners rarely volunteer this information. A lawyer can use legal tools to obtain these records and expose a pattern of negligence.

Common Myths About Slip and Fall Claims

When you’re dealing with an injury, the last thing you need is confusing or incorrect information. Unfortunately, there are plenty of myths floating around about slip and fall accidents that can stop people from seeking the help they deserve. You might hear from well-meaning friends or see online that your fall was your own fault, that a warning sign means you don’t have a case, or that you can’t possibly afford a good lawyer. Believing these misconceptions can cause you to settle for far less than you’re owed or even give up on your claim entirely before you even start. The truth is, the legal side of a slip and fall is more nuanced than most people think. It’s not about placing blame; it’s about holding property owners accountable for maintaining a safe environment for their visitors and customers. Insurance companies often benefit from this confusion, as it can discourage people from pursuing valid claims. Let’s clear up some of the most common misunderstandings so you can move forward with confidence and clarity. Knowing the facts is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future after an accident.

Debunking Beliefs About Property Owner Liability

One of the biggest myths is that a property owner is automatically responsible for any injury that happens on their premises. This isn’t true. The key to a successful claim is proving negligence. This means you have to show that the property owner knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn you about it. Simply falling on someone’s property isn’t enough. The owner’s responsibility is based on their actions—or lack thereof—in maintaining a safe environment, a concept known as premises liability. An experienced attorney can help investigate the circumstances to establish whether the owner failed in their duty to keep you safe.

Does a Warning Sign Ruin Your Case?

You’ve probably seen them a thousand times: the yellow “Wet Floor” sign. Many people believe that if a warning sign is present, the property owner is completely off the hook. While a sign can be a factor in a case, it doesn’t automatically eliminate the owner’s responsibility. For a warning to be effective, it must be clearly visible and give adequate notice of the specific hazard. A small sign placed in a poorly lit area, for example, might not be considered a reasonable warning. The court will look at whether the sign was sufficient to alert someone to the danger, not just whether a sign was present.

How Do Lawyers Get Paid?

Worrying about legal fees is a major reason why many people hesitate to contact a lawyer. The good news is that most personal injury lawyers, including our team, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the final settlement or award you receive. Simply put: if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a fee for our time. This arrangement allows you to get expert legal representation without any financial risk, ensuring everyone has access to justice. The American Bar Association provides more information on how these fees work.

Tactics Insurance Companies Use Against You

After an accident, you might assume the property owner’s insurance company is there to help. In reality, their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible. Insurance adjusters often use specific tactics to weaken your claim. They might try to get you to give a recorded statement to twist your words later, question the severity of your injuries, or offer a quick, lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your damages. They are counting on you not knowing the true value of your claim, which is why having an experienced lawyer on your side is so important to level the playing field.

How Much Is My Case Really Worth?

It’s natural to wonder what your slip and fall case is worth, but there’s no simple calculator for this. The value of your claim depends on many unique factors, including the severity of your injuries, the total cost of your medical bills (both past and future), lost wages from time off work, and the impact on your overall quality of life. These are known as damages in legal terms. An experienced attorney can carefully assess all of these elements to determine a fair valuation and ensure no cost is overlooked, fighting for the full compensation you need to recover properly.

Your First Steps After a Slip and Fall

The moments after a fall can be a blur of pain, confusion, and embarrassment. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but the actions you take right away can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries. While your first priority is always your health, thinking clearly about these next steps can help protect your rights and lay the groundwork for a strong claim. Think of it as a simple checklist to follow when everything else feels chaotic. By focusing on these key tasks, you can ensure you have what you need to move forward.

What to Do in the Moments After an Accident

Your immediate priority is your well-being. If you are in pain or feel seriously hurt, call for medical help right away. Even if you think you’re okay, some injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or even days. Next, notify the property owner, store manager, or landlord about the incident before you leave the premises. Get the full name and title of the person you speak with. When you explain what happened, stick to the facts. Avoid apologizing or saying anything that could be misinterpreted as admitting fault, like “I should have been more careful.” Adrenaline can make it hard to assess the situation clearly, so it’s best to keep your comments brief and direct.

Document Your Medical Treatment

A slip and fall can cause more than just a few bruises; serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, and spinal damage are common. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial not only for your health but also for your potential legal claim. A doctor’s examination creates an official record that links your injuries directly to the accident. Make sure you follow through with all prescribed treatments, including follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and medication. Keep a file with every medical bill, test result, and doctor’s note. This paper trail becomes essential evidence that demonstrates the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with your recovery, which is a key part of calculating the compensation you deserve.

Preserve Key Evidence

Evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s important to capture what you can while you’re still at the scene. If you are physically able, use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the exact location where you fell. Be sure to get wide shots of the area and close-ups of the specific hazard that caused your fall—a puddle of water, a cracked sidewalk, a torn piece of carpet, or poor lighting. Photograph your injuries, such as any visible cuts or bruises, as well as any damage to your clothing or shoes. If anyone witnessed the fall, ask for their name and phone number. Their account of what happened can be incredibly valuable for your case.

Report the Incident Correctly

When you notify the property owner or manager of your fall, ask them to file an official incident report and request a copy for your records. If they don’t have a formal process, write down the details of your conversation, including the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke with. When providing your statement for the report, be accurate and objective. Simply state what happened without guessing why the hazard was there or who was to blame. For example, say “I slipped on a puddle of clear liquid in aisle three,” not “I slipped because someone was lazy and didn’t clean up a spill.” This prevents the property owner’s insurance company from using your words against you later.

Find Qualified Legal Help

After a fall, you may feel pressure from the property owner or their insurance company to give a recorded statement or accept a quick, lowball settlement. You don’t have to handle this alone. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options. Most lawyers who handle these cases offer a free consultation to review the details of your accident and advise you on the best path forward. This initial meeting comes with no obligation and is a risk-free way to get professional guidance. An attorney can manage all communications with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your recovery.

The Risks of Managing Your Case Alone

Handling your own slip and fall claim might seem like a way to save money, but it comes with serious risks. The legal system is complex, and insurance companies have professionals dedicated to protecting their bottom line. Going it alone means facing them without the experience needed to level the playing field.

The Danger of Missing Deadlines

From the moment you’re injured, a clock starts ticking. California has a strict statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation forever. While you’re trying to heal, it’s easy to overlook a critical date, which can cause your entire case to be dismissed.

Facing the Insurance Company’s Adjusters

Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose goal is to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible. They know unrepresented individuals often don’t understand a claim’s true value, including future medical costs and lost wages. An adjuster may pressure you into accepting a quick, lowball offer before you know the full extent of your injuries, leaving you at a major disadvantage.

Avoiding Costly Settlement Mistakes

When bills are piling up, a quick settlement is tempting. However, once you accept an offer, you give up your right to seek any further compensation—it’s a final decision. Many personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation to review your case, so there’s no risk in getting a professional opinion before you make a choice that impacts your financial future.

Legal Hurdles You Might Not See Coming

Slip and fall cases require you to prove the property owner was negligent. Owners often try to shift the blame, claiming you were clumsy or not paying attention. This defense, known as comparative negligence, can reduce or even eliminate your compensation. An attorney knows how to anticipate these arguments and build a strong case to counter them.

How a Bad Outcome Can Affect Your Future

The outcome of your case has a lasting impact. If you settle for less than you need, you’ll be left to cover future medical treatments and lost income on your own. When your injuries are serious, the stakes are too high to manage alone. Securing proper legal representation is an investment in your long-term health and stability.

Making the Right Choice for Your Future

Deciding whether to hire a lawyer after a slip and fall can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on healing. It’s a significant choice that impacts your recovery and your financial stability. While every situation is unique, understanding a few key factors can help you see the path forward more clearly. This isn’t just about filing a claim; it’s about protecting yourself and ensuring you have the resources you need to get your life back on track. Let’s walk through what you should consider to make the best decision for you and your family.

Evaluate the Severity of Your Injuries

The nature of your injuries is the first thing to consider. If you walked away with a few minor bruises, you might not need legal help. However, slip and fall accidents often cause serious harm. Injuries like broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries can lead to extensive medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain and suffering. If your fall resulted in a significant injury that requires ongoing medical treatment or forces you to miss work, having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial. They can help ensure you receive compensation that covers not just your current bills, but your future needs as well.

Consider the Time and Effort Required

Managing a personal injury claim is a demanding, full-time job. It involves gathering evidence, filing complex legal documents, meeting strict deadlines, and negotiating with insurance adjusters who are trained to minimize payouts. Trying to handle all of this while recovering from an injury is an enormous burden. You should be able to focus on your recovery, not on learning the ins and outs of premises liability law. Hiring a lawyer removes that stress from your shoulders. They take care of the entire legal process, allowing you to dedicate your time and energy to what matters most: getting better.

Weigh the Financial Risks and Rewards

Many people hesitate to call a lawyer because they worry about the cost. The good news is that our firm, like most personal injury firms, works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case. The real financial risk often comes from not hiring an attorney. People who represent themselves are at a major disadvantage. An insurance company may offer a quick, lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term expenses, or you could make a procedural error that gets your case dismissed entirely. An experienced lawyer levels the playing field and fights to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Assess the Strength of Your Case

To have a successful claim, you must do more than show you were injured on someone else’s property. You have to prove that the property owner was negligent and that their carelessness directly caused your fall. This involves a detailed investigation to find out if they knew about a hazard (like a wet floor or a broken stair) and failed to fix it or warn you about it. An attorney knows exactly what evidence is needed to build a strong case, from security footage and maintenance records to witness statements and expert testimony. They can properly assess the facts and determine the best strategy for proving liability.

The True Benefits of Professional Legal Support

Ultimately, the greatest benefit of hiring a lawyer is having a dedicated advocate in your corner. A skilled attorney does more than just file paperwork; they provide peace of mind. They handle all communications with the insurance company, protect you from their tactics, and calculate the full value of your claim, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. By managing every legal detail, they free you up to concentrate on your health and your family. With a professional guiding you, you can feel confident that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of securing a fair outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I think the fall was partly my fault? This is a very common concern, but it doesn’t automatically prevent you from having a case. California follows a “comparative negligence” rule, which means your compensation may be reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault. For example, if you were found to be 10% responsible, your final settlement would be reduced by 10%. An experienced attorney can help build a case that minimizes your share of the fault and focuses on the property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment.

How much will it cost to hire a lawyer for my slip and fall case? Worrying about legal fees is completely understandable, but you don’t need any money upfront to get expert help. Our firm, like most personal injury law firms, works on a contingency fee basis. This means our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award we win for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time. This approach ensures everyone can afford quality legal representation without any financial risk.

What should I do if I don’t feel injured right after the fall? You should still see a doctor as soon as possible. The adrenaline from an accident can mask pain, and some serious injuries, like concussions or internal damage, don’t show symptoms for hours or even days. Seeking prompt medical attention creates an official record that connects your injuries to the fall, which is essential evidence if you decide to file a claim later on. Your health should always be your first priority.

Do I have to go to court to get a settlement? Most people imagine a dramatic courtroom scene, but the reality is that the vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court. A skilled lawyer’s primary goal is to build a strong case and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company on your behalf. Going to trial is typically a last resort used only when the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable amount.

How long do I have to file a claim in California? It’s critical to act quickly. In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. Because building a strong case takes time, it’s best to speak with an attorney long before this deadline approaches.