Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere at any time, causing serious injuries and financial strain.
Fortunately, there are legal options. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of a slip-and-fall accident, you may wonder, how much do slip-and-fall cases settle for?
Our experienced California slip and fall lawyers are here to answer your questions and help you recover what you deserve.
For immediate assistance, please don’t hesitate to call (707) 426-5300 or send us an online message. We offer free consultations.
What Is the Average Slip-and-Fall Settlement in California?
Every slip-and-fall case is unlike the next. Because no two cases are the same, there truly is no “average” settlement for slip-and-fall cases in California.
Your slip-and-fall attorney will review the details of your case to determine how much your case is worth. After making this determination, your attorney will work tirelessly to get you fair compensation.
Factors Affecting the Value of Your Slip-and-Fall Claim
Several factors impact the value of your slip-and-fall case. These and other factors will positively or negatively affect your potential settlement amount.
The Severity of Your Injuries
Injuries resulting from slip-and-fall cases can vary greatly.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones,
- Lacerations,
- Sprained ankles,
- Muscle strain,
- Head and neck injuries,
- Brain injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries, and
- Any long-term treatment that may be required.
The more severe your injuries, the more your slip-and-fall case will be worth, due to higher medical bills and the possibility of long-term effects.
Medical Bills
As stated, the extent of your injuries will dictate how much you incur in medical bills.
Severe injuries result in more expensive medical bills that may require medical expenses well into the future.
Long-Term Effects and Disability
If your injuries result in long-term effects or a disability, your claim will be worth significantly more. Disabilities and negative, long-term effects mean more expenses and burdens.
Comparative Negligence for California Slip-and-Fall Claims
It is common for property owners to claim you share some of the blame for your slip-and-fall accident.
Your attorney will argue against these claims, but if it is ultimately determined you did play a role in your accident, California’s pure comparative negligence system may reduce your award amount.
Under the state’s pure comparative negligence rule, your damage award can be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
For example, you’re at a grocery store and slip-and-fall on a wet floor. However, you were texting and not paying attention.
If the court determines you were 30% at fault, your award will be reduced by this amount. Therefore, if your award was $100,000, you will end up with $70,000.
What to Do Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall in California
Your actions after a slip-and-fall accident can positively or negatively affect your claim’s value.
1. Seek Medical Attention
After your slip-and-fall accident, it is important to put your health first and seek medical help. If injuries are serious, call 911.
Otherwise, be sure to visit an emergency room or your primary care physician for a proper examination. Even if you believe you did not sustain any injuries, you may have injuries yet to be felt or seen.
Your attorney will use your medical records for your case, so be sure to follow all medical recommendations and directions.
2. Report the Incident
Report your slip-and-fall to a manager or property owner. Depending on the scene of the accident, a report may be required. If there is a written report, you may request a copy.
3. Gather Evidence
If possible, collect any evidence or relevant information regarding your slip-and-fall.
Items to collect can include:
- Photos and video,
- Witness information, and
- Clothing worn during the accident.
As you get more information, like medical records or records reflecting lost wages, be sure to keep everything, as it may impact your case.
4. Contact a California Slip-and-Fall Attorney
Slip-and-fall cases can be challenging to handle, so a California slip-and-fall lawyer is your best ally.
Having the help of an attorney will give you the greatest chance at fair compensation. Be sure to contact a lawyer as soon as you can.
Compensation Available for Slip-and-Fall Cases
In California, compensation for a slip-and-fall includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include out-of-pocket expenses and financial losses like:
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages, and
- Loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages include intangible losses such as:
- Pain and suffering,
- Mental and emotional anguish, and
- Loss of consortium.
Your slip-and-fall lawyer in California will calculate the damages available to you and work to get you a just settlement.
Having an experienced California Accident Lawyer on your side who can protect your rights is helpful in these cases.
As one of the best lawyers specializing in slip-and-fall accidents, Wells Call Injury Lawyers stands by their client every step of the way while achieving excellent results.
Call (707) 302-6088 for a free case review.
California Statute of Limitations for Slip-and-Fall Cases
While you may be entitled to compensation after a slip-and-fall, you will likely give up your right to compensation if you fail to file your lawsuit promptly.
A statute of limitations is a law that imposes a time restriction on a person’s ability to file a claim. The California statute of limitations for slip-and-fall cases is two years from the date of the accident.
If you miss this deadline and do not file your lawsuit within two years, you will be unable to collect any compensation.
Contact a California Slip-and-Fall Attorney For Assistance
Wells Call Injury Lawyers has been assisting injured clients for over three decades.
We have the pleasure of serving six cities in California, allowing us to expand our reach and represent various personal injury victims.
Our team of highly experienced and knowledgeable attorneys takes on even the most challenging cases, working diligently to recover for clients when they need us most.
Our firm offers free case reviews. Contact us online or call (707) 426-5300 today, and let’s get you started on the road to recovery.