The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that close to 1 million people in the United States sustain slip-and-fall injuries every year, and another 17,000 are killed. When you are injured due to another person’s negligence, the California premises liability law allows you to pursue damages from them. But exactly how much compensation can you receive for a slip and fall?
Consult experienced Huntington Beach Personal Injury Attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers if you have sustained an injury.
Are Settlements Common?
A significant number of slip-and-fall claims in California settle out of court. The involved parties often reach a negotiated agreement, or a court may pass a summary judgment in favor of one party. In some instances, the claim may be dismissed by the court or voluntarily.
While statistics show that only 2% of personal injury claims go to trial, not every case is the same. You need to make a decision that enables you to obtain the compensation you deserve. Depending on the facts of your case, this could be achieved through a settlement or judgment.
The best way to ensure you get what you deserve is to work hand in hand with an attorney.
Factors that Affect the Value of a Slip-and-Fall Claim
As already mentioned, no two slip-and-fall claims are the same, which means the settlements tend to vary too. Multiple factors go into determining the value of a settlement. They include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The permanency of your injuries
- The impact of your injuries on your life
- Lost income
- Your past and future medical bills
- Earning ability after the accident
Examples of Slip-and-Fall Payouts
The average payout for a slip-and-fall claim in California falls between $30,000 and $60,000. However, it is not uncommon for some settlements to fall outside this bracket, especially when they involve severe injuries. The following are two real-life examples of slip and fall cases payouts:
1. Costco
Foster brought a claim against Costco, claiming that its employees had noticed and ignored a liquid soap spill on the floor on numerous occasions. While passing by, Foster slipped, fell, and shattered her kneecap. The jury in the Case of Foster V. Costco found Costco negligent, resulting in the judge awarding Foster a settlement of over $400,000 for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
2. Shoe Store
A visitor brought a claim against a shoe store when they tripped over a sale sign in the store, fell, and sustained strains and sprains to the knee and shoulder. Because they had to undergo surgery, the medical expenses exceeded $115,000, and the visitor was awarded $350,000.
Consult a Huntington Beach Attorney
While there is no consistent way to determine slip-and-fall cases payouts, an expert attorney can help calculate the exact value of your claim. They will ensure that your settlement covers all your injury-related losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
The Huntington Beach Personal Injury Attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers are dedicated to defending your rights. If you have been injured in a slip and fall, contact us at 888-540-0325 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your legal rights.