Slip and fall accidents can happen when you least expect them, and their consequences can be life-altering. Whether you tripped on an uneven sidewalk, slipped on a wet floor in the grocery store, or fell down a poorly lit stairwell, these accidents are often painful, traumatic, and costly.
When a slip and fall accident results from someone else’s negligence, that person may be responsible for the damage they’ve caused. An experienced personal injury lawyer can work to assess that damage, establish liability, and seek both justice and fair compensation on behalf of the injured party.
Understanding Slip and Fall Settlements
How much are most slip and fall settlements? That can be a tricky question to answer, as every slip and fall case has unique circumstances, and settlements depend on far more than the basic facts of the case. However, looking at a given case’s circumstances and understanding the steps required to maximize compensation can help you get a better idea of what your settlement might look like.
Average Settlement Amounts for Slip and Fall Cases
Average numbers don’t necessarily tell the whole story of slip and fall settlements. For instance, a strong claim with the potential for high compensation might be compromised by insufficient evidence or insurance company tactics. Conversely, a smaller claim might have a higher-than-usual outcome thanks to strong evidence collection and tenacious negotiation by your personal injury attorney.
Regardless of these caveats, you’re likely still curious about the average settlement in a slip and fall accident.
In general, relatively minor cases may settle for a few thousand dollars, while cases with more moderate injuries might settle for double that. However, in the most serious cases, settlements can reach six to seven figures.
These numbers offer a ballpark idea of what a slip and fall settlement might look like based on the severity of the injuries, but that’s only one factor of many when it comes to determining compensation. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you better understand the kind of compensation your case might warrant.
Key Factors Impacting Slip and Fall Settlement Amounts
Several factors play a significant role in determining settlement amounts in slip and fall accidents. The most important factors include:
Severity of the Injury
The severity of your injuries is the foundation of your claim. The more severe an injury is, the greater an impact it’s likely to have on you, not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and financially. Significantly debilitating or permanent injuries make a strong case for higher compensation, as do injuries that require multiple surgeries or ongoing care.
Establishing Liability
You may know that the property owner was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries, but recovering maximum compensation depends on proving that they were liable with a substantial body of evidence. It’s also essential to show exactly what the responsible party is liable for by providing a strong record of the physical, emotional, and financial damage they’ve caused.
Medical Expenses
Treatment for your injuries can be extremely costly. The cost of hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical expenses can significantly impact the compensation you might recover.
Lost Wages
Whether they make you take time off work for surgeries or prevent you from adequately performing your job, lost wages due to slip and fall injuries can be significant. If your injuries have prevented you from earning a living or have permanently diminished your earning capacity, that can play a big role in the size of your settlement.
Pain and Suffering
Although they’re not as easily quantified as something like medical costs or lost wages, the physical pain and mental anguish caused by slip and fall injuries can often represent the most devastating consequences of all. For this reason, compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured due to your injuries is often the most significant component of any slip and fall settlement.
Maximizing Your Slip and Fall Settlement
There are many things you can do that may help maximize the amount of compensation you recover. Some of the best ways to optimize your case’s outcome include:
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
The personal injury attorney you work with can be the biggest factor in determining your success at receiving a fair slip and fall settlement. Medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering provide a general range of potential compensation, but your choice of an experienced personal injury attorney can be the reason why your settlement reaches the top of that range. Their ability to investigate your claim, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies is crucial.
Seeking Medical Attention If You Haven’t Already
Some injuries may not reveal themselves for days, weeks, or even months after an accident. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible not only protects your health, but it also shows how seriously you’re taking your injuries. Insurance companies might seize on a lack of prompt medical attention in their efforts to weaken your claim.
Collect Evidence
The strength of your claim relies on the strength of your evidence. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, clearly depicting the hazards that caused your injuries. Document your injuries and their related expenses by keeping all medical records, medical bills, receipts, financial documents, and a pain journal. Collect the contact information of all involved parties and witnesses.
Be Careful When Speaking with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will go to great lengths to protect their profits by minimizing your payout. They’ll often do this by offering quick settlements that many injury victims accept without realizing how unfavorable they are. They may also try to get you to admit fault or make recorded statements that will weaken your claim. Be extremely cautious about the information you offer them, and always speak with a lawyer before speaking with them whenever possible.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates
Slip and fall settlements depend heavily on how your case is handled. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you build a strong claim, avoid critical errors, and negotiate for maximum compensation. Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable and highly skilled slip and fall lawyer.
