Slip and fall accidents are more common that most people think. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and falls account for over 1 million hospital emergency room visits. Floors and flooring materials are the main cause of more than 2 million fall injuries each year.
Common injuries caused by slip and fall accidents are fractures but can include other injuries including sprains, concussions, torn ligaments, and more.
A slip and fall can be embarrassing and your first instinct may be to get out of the place as quickly as possible. However, your first step should be to seek medical care to ensure all injuries are identified and treated. Additionally, you should check to make sure all your personal items are with you and undamaged.
Should I Get an Attorney for a Slip and Fall?
Your next step may be to ask, “Should I get a lawyer for my slip and fall accident?”
The answer is yes.
Because these are often non-criminal cases, they can be difficult to prove without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. In reality, most slip and fall cases that don’t have a lawyer working the case are denied. This means that medical bills, time off work, and other related bills won’t be covered and you will be stuck paying the expenses yourself.
By consulting an accident attorney familiar with slip and fall cases, you make sure the proper evidence is gathered to prove the property owner is liable.
What Is the Average Payout for a Slip and Fall?
The compensation for slip and fall accidents vary depending on the facts of the case, whether there was a personal injury and/or property damage (ex. broken jewelry or watches) and liability. Payouts are calculated by taking into account the costs and comparative negligence – the property owner’s liability and your liability.
For example, if you suffer a minor slip and fall where you are not injured but you break your Tiffany wedding band, then the property owner will be responsible for the cost of the Tiffany wedding band.
The average payout for a slip-and-fall injury depends on the situation. We recommend consulting a personal injury attorney experienced with slip and fall cases to get a better idea of the type of compensation for your case.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit?
Most slip and fall cases are settled out of court in a mediation or a settlement. However, the cases can still take months or years to settle, largely due to the property owner’s willingness to settle and the documentation.
However, working with an accident attorney can help to speed up the process and get results faster. Accident attorneys experienced in slip and fall cases will be familiar with the documentation needed, forms required to submit, medical information needed, and the process/timeline for submitting. If a property owner sees that you do not have legal counsel, they may be likely to drag out the case with the hopes that you will get frustrated and give up your claim. An accident attorney will move the process along and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a slip and fall, contact us today to get your questions answered.
Pursu Agency