Navigating the legalities surrounding California slip and fall cases is complicated. A common question that arises is the average settlement amount an individual can expect after sustaining injuries.
Unfortunately, there is no singular answer to this question. The value of a settlement depends on several variables, making each case unique in its own right. On the bright side, we can provide some clarity: average settlements for California slip-and-fall cases generally fall within the $10,000 to $60,000 range.
In this article, we dive deeper into the factors that influence these settlements and how they are calculated. While this can provide a more comprehensive understanding of slip and fall cases and how to pursue damages following an accident, we encourage you to connect with an experienced Los Angeles slip and fall attorney to get the individualized support necessary to defend your case.
What Is a Slip and Fall Case?
To recap our previous posts, a slip and fall incident is a type of personal injury case that occurs when an individual sustains injuries from slipping on a hazardous or slippery surface on a private or public premise. Typically, in a slip-and-fall accident, the person falls backward due to a loss of traction and balance.
These accidents can result in various injuries to the:
- Back
- Hips
- Tailbone
- Head
Victims of slip and fall cases have the right to file a lawsuit against a government entity or property owner if the premises failed to uphold a duty of care to keep their property safe and free of hazards.
Our Los Angeles slip and fall attorneys will do everything in their power to build a strong claim, proving the negligence of the property owner in hopes of recovering compensation for any sustained injuries.
Factors That Affect the Settlement Value
Settlements in slip and fall cases depend on a variety of factors, ranging from the extent of your injuries to the expenses incurred for medical treatment. Here are several common variables that influence the outcome of your settlement.
- Severity of injuries. The intensity and extent of your injuries play an important role in determining the settlement value. The more severe your injuries are, the more extensive your medical treatment will be, therefore resulting in potentially higher settlement amounts. For instance, a traumatic brain injury with life-altering consequences typically garners more compensation than a sprained ankle.
- Degree of negligence. Assessing the defendant’s degree of negligence, or carelessness, will impact the settlement of a slip-and-fall case. For example, if the property owner was aware of a hazardous condition but failed to address it or provide warnings, their high degree of negligence will likely lead to a higher settlement amount.
- Comparative negligence. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means your settlement amount might be reduced based on the degree of fault you contributed to your own injuries.
- Evidence and documentation. Compelling evidence, such as photos, videos, eyewitness statements, incident reports, and medical records, can strengthen your case, potentially leading to a higher settlement value.
- Lost wages. If the severity of your injuries requires you to take time off work, resulting in lost wages, you are likely entitled to compensation for the income you were unable to earn during your absence.
- Lawyer expertise. Hiring an experienced slip-and-fall attorney (Los Angeles) who understands the legal complexities of such cases can maximize your settlement value. Our Los Angeles slip-and-fall lawyers can guide you through the process to reduce your stress and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Calculating Slip and Fall Settlements
Determining the settlement amount in a slip-and-fall case requires evaluating both economic and non-economic damages, considering the evidence gathered, assessing each party’s degree of responsibility, and examining insurance coverage.
Working with a reputable Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer is the best way to accurately estimate the potential settlement for your case. Your attorney will analyze your specific situation by navigating the legal complexities and reviewing relevant evidence and documentation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Slip and Fall Attorney
This article examines the intricacies of calculating average slip and fall settlement amounts. If you have been involved in such an incident, we highly recommend contacting an experienced slip and fall lawyer (Irvine) to pursue legal action and secure the compensation you deserve based on your damages.
John J. Perlstein, one of the best Los Angeles slip and fall lawyers, has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Reach us at (213) 583-5786 or fill out the form on our website to schedule a free consultation with a slip-and-fall attorney (Irvine or Los Angeles). This consultation will allow us to determine how we can help you get the justice you deserve.