Slip and Fall accidents have been associated with mental, physical, and financial drawbacks depending on the severity of injuries incurred by a victim. Fortunately, you could claim compensation for damages incurred from the entity to blame for the accident. However, it is easier said than done as you will need an experienced attorney to prove your claim with evidence pinpointing the property owner as being negligent or reckless.
That being the case, the average slip and fall amount can vary greatly in estimates. But this is not always the case in slip and fall accidents in California due to factors such as the severity of the injury, which determine the value of your case outcome. Nevertheless, there are several important factors that can affect slip and fall settlements. The following information will give you an insight of what you should expect.
The severity of the Victim’s Injuries
The severity of your injuries ranks among the main factors that determine the value of your settlement claim. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injuries are among serious injuries that can result in above-average settlements due to higher medical expenses, pain and suffering and much more. Whereas victims with minor injuries could receive a lower settlement amount. Regardless of whether you have minor or major injuries, it is imperative to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to strengthen your settlement claim. This is vital as you might incur other medical expenses in the future resulting from a minor or major injury.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are some of the non-economic damages that can impact your quality of life. Insomnia, frustration, chronic pain, and loss of self-esteem are only some of the impacts an individual might experience if involved in a slip and fall accident. That being the case, your injury claim might involve the use of therapist’s notes, medical prognosis and physician’s notes to prove how pain and suffering have impacted your life.
Medical Expenses
A slip and fall settlement in California will require evidence of money spent on treating injuries incurred from such an accident. Medical bills from a doctor, hospital, and therapy centre are some of the records that can be used to estimate your settlements claim.
Loss of Earning Capacity
A slip and fall accident might leave you permanently disabled or reduce your capacity to perform in a job you were so good at. As a result, your earning capacity may diminish but you can use reports from a rehabilitation specialist to prove how the accident affected your profession and ability to prospect for future work. Therefore, you could train on another skill at the expense of the party responsible for the accident or demand for a settlement.
Conclusion
While a majority of slip and fall cases are settled before a court trial, not one is similar to the other. For this reason, a slip and fall settlement amount may vary depending on the mentioned factors particularly in California. That being the case, the compensation amount should be nothing less than your settlements claim.