If you’re wondering what the average slip and fall settlement in California is, keep reading to learn more. Slip and falls occur when someone trips on debris or slips on something that causes them to lose their balance and fall. The resulting injuries can be serious, and the property owner is liable for the resulting damages.
At Kreeger Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys are experienced and educated in every step of the legal process as well as the law concerning premises liability. We treat each client and their claim with respect and care, fighting to earn them their full compensation payment.
Premises Liability: What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
In California, all property owners are responsible for maintaining the safety of their premises to ensure that they are upholding their duty of care to any guests or employees while on their property. Such safety measures may include making sure all walking paths are clear of debris or spills and that all facilities or equipment are up to date and repaired when broken, such as loose floor tiles or a wobbly stair step.
Failing to fulfill their duty to keep their premises a safe environment means that the owner:
- Is directly responsible for the unsafe conditions.
- Was aware of the hazard but didn’t sufficiently resolve it.
- Should have been aware of the danger through proper inspection and regular premises maintenance.
Their negligence is further evident when they fail to effectively warn guests of the present safety hazard through verbal or visual means, such as a caution sign.
This means that, if someone is injured on their premises as a result of a breach in their duty of care to visitors, also known as negligence, the property owner is liable to provide compensation for any damages to the injured party. Premises liability is a type of personal injury case. A slip and fall is a common accident type across various properties; they usually include a heel or toe slip. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you get the settlement payout that you are entitled to.
Liable parties can be an individual property owner, a corporation, or both; sometimes, even a separate security company is responsible. Private property owners are also liable for any injuries on their premises, whether their invited guests are there for business or social reasons.
Injuries That You May Acquire From a Slip and Fall Accident
You may not initially suspect that a slip and fall can cause serious injury, but it cannot be understated how potentially dangerous these accidents are. Often, after the injured party realizes that they’ve lost their balance after tripping or slipping, they will instinctively try to break their fall, which can worsen their injuries. When the victim is blindsided with no time to prepare, rapidly and unexpectedly approaching the ground can cause the body to twist or harshly impact the surface.
The force of that impact can result in the injured party dislocating or breaking one or several bones, even causing more delicate bones to shatter. Hip fractures, especially among older individuals, are the most frequently seen injury after slip and falls. Damage to the shoulder and its surrounding nerves is also common in this type of accident.
A person’s back and neck regions are often susceptible to harm in slip and falls, resulting in herniated discs and neck sprains. The harsh impact of falling can also easily break the vertebrae or damage the nerves in the spinal cord; extreme injuries to the spinal cord can cause partial or total paralyzation. Additionally, traumatic brain injuries can occur when the person is unable to stop a full fall to the ground, smashing their head against the surface.
FAQs
Q: How Much Is a Slip and Fall Case Worth in California?
A: A slip and fall case is worth its economic damages and noneconomic damages. How serious the resulting injury is will affect how much medical treatment and time away from work they require. These expenses and losses, including future medical care, will amount to the victim’s economic damages.
Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering and trauma from permanent bodily damage. The amount is typically decided by the judge according to the evidence that establishes the extent of the emotional/psychological harm.
Q: How Long Does a Slip and Fall Case Take to Settle in California?
A: It can be difficult to determine how long a slip and fall case will take to settle. On average, it may take between nine and twelve months to officially conclude. Some cases will settle quickly, while some may extend for years. Court delays and scheduling may affect the case duration as well as how complex the circumstances are, including the injuries and available evidence. Negotiations may speed up the process but only when both parties are willing and fair.
Q: How Much Are Most Slip and Fall Settlements?
A: Most slip and fall accidents receive settlements between $20,000 and $60,000 on average in California. However, what a case may be awarded in compensation varies widely, depending on the specific circumstances.
How serious the injury from the slip and fall is can range from minor injuries to the most severe and life-altering bodily injuries. The extent of the needed medical treatment and how experienced your personal injury lawyer is in negotiating settlements are also contributing factors.
Q: What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in California?
A: The average personal injury settlement is complicated overall to calculate. There are several types of personal injury cases, and each person’s situation can vary significantly. Personal injuries from a car accident case, compared to those from a defective product, will be very different, with different circumstances.
Extreme circumstances, such as permanent brain damage or even wrongful death, will naturally be paid more than cases with minor injuries. Other damages, such as pain and suffering, are also unique to every case.
If You Fell and It Wasn’t Your Fault, You Can Be Financially Compensated
Schedule a consultation to get your questions answered, know more about the injury claim process, and receive an estimate of the settlement you’re entitled to. A skilled lawyer at Kreeger Law Firm is ready to guide and assist you today.
