Average Slip and Fall Settlement Amounts

When you are injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to understand that accidents happen, surfaces can be uneven, wet, or slippery without negligence on the part of business or homeowners. A slip and fall settlement amount is generally determined by whether or not negligence can be proved, and in some cases, how much negligence can be proved.

Property and business owners are not always held responsible for not cleaning up everything that falls on the floor or ground of their premises. In some cases, you may be expected to see an obstacle in your path, as we are all expected to watch where we are going. However, property and business owners are required and expected to keep their premises in good repair.

What Factors Will Most Impact the Amount Received

Since these cases depend on so many different circumstances, average slip and fall settlement amounts are hard to determine. However, several factors can affect slip and fall lawsuit settlement amounts, such as:

• Negligence of the property or business owner
• Dangerous conditions on their premises
• Proof that the property or business owner created, knew of or should have known of the danger
• The property or business owner failed to warn others or repair the dangerous condition
• Whether your negligence was a factor, e.g., not looking where you are going
• Whether you were lawfully on the premises
• The severity of your injuries
• Proof that the slip or fall caused the injuries
• Extent of damages, including medical bills, past and future lost wages, as well as pain and suffering

What Evidence Is the Most Critical in Slip and Fall Cases

There are four critical pieces of evidence you need in slip and fall cases:

• That you were injured
• The nature of your injuries
• That the conditions were dangerous due to negligence
• That the injuries weren’t due to your actions or carelessness

How to Determine Damages in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

There are many different types of damage to take into consideration before filing a slip and fall lawsuit. Working with a slip and fall lawyer can help you keep track of everything. Damages are intended to compensate the injured person based on their unique circumstances, so there is no set formula. However, they usually include the following general damages and special damages.

General Damages

• Payments for lost wages and future earnings
• Loss of promotion to a higher job
• Inability to drive a car or do housework
• Loss of ability to enjoy hobbies
• Pain and suffering

Special Damages

• Medical and hospital expenses
• Child care
• Transportation to doctor appointments
• Ambulance costs
• Physical therapy and prescriptions

How the Injury Impacts You

Another part of the calculation is how the injury impacts you and your quality of life. Are the injuries permanent? Will you be unable to work in the future? You may be able to claim pain and suffering based on:

• The amount of physical pain you endure
• Your grief and worry
• Events you miss with family and friends
• Sleep problems
• Inconvenience
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Most Slip and Fall Cases Settle

Most slip and fall lawsuits settle out of court. Although the exact amount varies depending on where the suit was filed, about 2% actually make it to trial.

Although each case is different, slip and fall cases settle out of court because property and business owners are aware that the law often holds them responsible for injuries that occur on their property. It is usually less expensive for them to settle, especially if you have a strong case with aggressive representation.

You have some control over whether your case goes to trial or results in a settlement. And while it is difficult to determine the average slip and fall settlement in Florida, an experienced attorney can help you determine if your case is the type that’s likely to go to trial.

10 Facts about Slip and Fall Accidents

1. Slip and fall injuries are responsible for more than one million emergency room visits each year
2. The average hospital cost of a slip and fall is $30,000 to $40,000
3. About 5% of slip and fall injuries involve broken bones
4. About one-third of adults over 65 fall each year
5. Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of injuries across all age groups
6. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
7. Falls account for approximately 95% of hip fractures
8. Medical expenses for slip and fall accidents top $434 billion each year
9. Victims of slip and fall accidents miss approximately 11 days of work
10. Only 2% of slip and fall lawsuits go to trial

Determining Whether to Hire a Lawyer

When you’ve had a slip and fall accident, the physical and emotional issues are top of mind. It may be difficult to tell if your case is bad enough to hire a lawyer. But if you feel you need compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more, you should consider consulting a lawyer.

Most slip and fall cases are not suited for self-representation, and if you are dealing with an insurance company, you can be sure they have the full power of a legal department behind them. You need someone to represent your interests. Contact an attorney today for a free case evaluation.