Slip and fall injuries are serious matters. What looks like a minor slip and fall incident can lead to injuries that can significantly impact your life in many different ways, physically, mentally, and financially.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall incident in the state of California, you may be wondering how much you are entitled to in a settlement. The answer to your question depends on several factors, and no two slip and fall cases are exactly alike.
Every slip and fall settlement depends on the individual circumstances, so an exact amount is tricky to pinpoint. But here are some factors that help determine your slip and fall settlement, as well as some average settlement amounts to build a frame of reference from in the state of California.
Slip and Fall Settlements
The amount of compensation you can receive for a slip and fall settlement in California depends on numerous factors. In some cases, settlements can be up to millions of dollars, but for many people, figures in the range of tens of thousands of dollars are more likely.
Because there is no fixed value given to the average slip and fall settlement, every case is different. Your lawyer may be able to provide you with a ballpark figure of how much you could be entitled to, but until the issue is settled, there’s no way to confirm an exact settlement figure.
Factors That Can Affect the Value of Your Claim
If your slip and fall accident results in a settlement, numerous factors are considered before it’s decided how much or how little to award you. Every aspect of the settlement is scrutinized, largely because insurance companies want to avoid paying out more than they have to. This is why it’s essential that you enlist the help of a qualified personal injury attorney to advise you with your case.
Injury Severity
The severity of your injuries is the first thing analyzed to determine the value of a settlement. More severe injuries could mean a more severe impact on your life physically and financially, so you could be eligible for a larger settlement.
Medical Costs
How much you’ve had to pay out in medical expenses directly related to your slip and fall injury will also play a part in how much your settlement ends up being. If someone else (or another entity or organization) is found partially or fully responsible your injury, they could be held responsible for paying your medical costs.
The settlement will also consider your future medical costs in relation to your injury. Sadly, for some people, slip and fall injuries can lead to a lifetime of medical expenses. Your settlement should reflect this financial need.
The Effect on Your Wages
If you could not work due to your slip and fall injury, this will be considered in reaching your settlement amount. Your wages could be impacted at the time of the injury and for many years, so this needs to be kept in mind when determining a fair settlement amount.
The Impact on Your Life Now and Later
Slip and fall injuries can be severe and painful. The pain can limit your physical ability to work and enjoy your previous quality of life. This factor should also be considered when estimating a settlement amount.
Who Was at Fault
To determine how much, if any, money you are eligible for, attorneys will look at who is at fault for your accident. Proving that the other party is wholly or mostly at fault can be tricky, but your personal injury lawyer will know how to demonstrate this blame.
If you are partly to blame for your injury, it could reduce your settlement. Consult with your personal injury attorney to discuss your options and go over the details of your injury.
After Your Accident
The most important thing to do after any slip and fall accident is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think you are not injured, you could have sustained an injury that may manifest days or even weeks later.
Your lawyer will use your medical records to support your case, so make sure everything you tell the medical practitioner is documented accurately. Make sure that you follow the doctor’s recommendations and directions as well. Failure to do so could harm your case.
Report the accident to the property owner or manager. You may need to complete a written report of the accident. If you do, request a copy of the report for your records.
Make sure that you gather evidence for your claim. This evidence can be photo documentation, videos, the clothing you were wearing when the accident occurred, and witness statements about the accident.
Be sure to keep all medical bills, document loss of wages, and keep a record of how the accident has impacted your life.
Let Us Help You Settle Your Personal Injury Case
Hann Law Firm has extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, including slip and fall settlements. We can help you get the fair and just compensation you deserve.
We provide a thoughtful approach to personal injury cases and help you get the compensation you need while you focus on your recovery. We are seasoned California personal injury attorneys who know how to win – Contact us today to find out how we can help you get the justice you deserve.
