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What are the Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
Common types of injuries after a slip and fall include:
- Back pain
- Soft tissue damage (bruising and bleeding)
- Ankle and wrist sprain
- Dislocated shoulders
- Knee damage
- Torn ligaments and dislocations
- Spine/nerve damage
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What is the Law for Slip and Fall in California?
In most cases, you have 2 years to file a slip and fall accident lawsuit in California. However, if you were injured on government property, you only have 6 months to file your claim. Government property includes any city, state, or federal land.
What is the Average Payout for a Slip and Fall in California?
According to the California Business Journal, the average slip-and-fall settlement in the state ranges from $15,000 to $50,000. The value of the specific case depends on a variety of factors, including the extent of the person's injuries, if there were any property damages, and the amount of medical expenses the person required because of the fall.
Related Article: When Can Lifeguard Be Held Liable for Pool Drowning?
What is the Largest Slip and Fall Settlement?
The largest settlement ever in a slip and fall lawsuit was more than $20 million, which was awarded to an elderly woman who was gravely injured after slipping on a wet tile floor in a hotel lobby. The case went to trial, and the jury determined that the hotel had failed to warn its guests of the hazardous condition and was liable for her injuries.
What to do After a Slip and Fall
What you do after a slip and fall can significantly affect your ability to recover just compensation for your injuries. Understanding what to do after a slip and fall accident can help you take measures to protect yourself and your ability to recover. Here’s what to do after a slip and fall accident.
1. Seek Medical Attention - Not only is medical attention critical for your safety, but it’s also the first step in building your case. When you’re hurt in a slip and fall, the first thing that you need to do is document your injuries. Visiting a doctor immediately after your slip and fall is the most important thing you can do to create an expert record of your injuries.
2. Inspect the Scene - The best time to try and pin down the cause of your slip and fall is immediately after it occurs. Look around you. If you can pinpoint the cause of your fall, you can work backward to determine what the store owners and employees might have done differently to prevent you from falling.
3. Take Photographs - While the jury can listen to what witnesses have to say and visualize the scene, it’s more powerful if the jury can look at photos. Take photos of the floor, the area around you, and even the area that surrounds the scene. Photos can be critical in showing the jury that your version of events is accurate.
4. Identify Witnesses - Witnesses are critical to verify your version of events. If your slip and fall happen at a business, other customers might be your best witnesses. It’s important to get their contact information so that you can call them to testify on your behalf.
Related Articles:
- Amusement Park Accident Lawsuit
- Most Common Injuries from Falling Down the Stairs
- Slip and Fall Compensation Amounts
FAQs
Can I file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for my slip and fall accident?
Yes, California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still file a lawsuit even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What steps should I take immediately after a slip and fall accident in California?
Seek medical attention for your injuries, document the accident scene with photographs, report the incident to the property owner or manager, gather contact information from witnesses, and consult with an attorney.
How long does it typically take to resolve a slip and fall lawsuit in California?
The duration can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, and whether the case goes to trial. It could take several months to several years.
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If you or a loved one was involved with such matters, you should contact Schmidt & Clark immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.