How Many Slip and Fall Cases Go to Trial?

Slip and fall accidents can affect your health in more ways than you might realize.  The consequences of a fall can vary from soreness and bruising to broken bones, head injuries, or even death.  And once you’ve fallen, your chance of falling again doubles! Falls happen fairly frequently too, with more than three million people seeking treatment for this type of injury in emergency rooms each year.  If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, the best place to start is with a qualified and experienced attorney who has knowledge of what can be involved in slip and fall cases to help you navigate through the process.

WHERE DO SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS HAPPEN?

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere.  Property owners can be held responsible for slip and fall accidents if they don’t provide proper maintenance to their property.  Sidewalks can have cracks, broken and uneven surfaces, or they could be slick.  Stairs can be too steep or too narrow.  Parking lots are commonplace for slip and fall accidents to occur.  Repairs should be made to keep walking or climbing surfaces in compliance with building codes.  Restaurants and bars can present hazards, especially with customers having to navigate chairs and tables.  Elevators and escalators can also be dangerous.  Gas stations, grocery stores, and warehouse stores are other places where it might be easy to fall due to food or liquid spills.

WILL MY SLIP AND FALL CASE GO TO TRIAL?

It can be a bit daunting to think about having to formally testify in a courtroom in front of a lot of people.  Often, the victims of slip and fall cases don’t get the justice they deserve because they are afraid of the process.  You might be relieved to know that only a very small percentage of these cases actually end up in front of a jury.  If you are concerned about your case going to trial, discuss the options with your attorney.  An experienced attorney will often be able to negotiate a settlement in these cases so that a trial is not necessary.  However, be sure to hire an attorney who is willing and able to go to trial if the property owner is not willing to pay reasonable compensation for your injuries.

HOW MUCH IS AN AVERAGE SLIP AND FALL SETTLEMENT?

It’s difficult to calculate an average value of slip and fall cases because each case is unique.  Settlements can range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars, and very rarely, even millions.  Many factors contribute to a slip and fall case value; the most important factors are where and how the fall occurred, the severity of the injuries sustained, and the medical treatment sought.   According to the CDC, over $50 billion is spent on medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries each year.   As a slip and fall victim, you are entitled to compensation for not only medical costs but also for lost wages and pain and suffering.  

CAN A BRAIN INJURY RESULT FROM A FALL?

The CDC reports that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).  A TBI can be devastating not only because of the lingering effects but also because it may not be readily detectable at first.  It is sometimes difficult to recognize a TBI right away, and the longer it takes to diagnose the TBI, the more difficult it is to treat with a good possibility of recovery.  

ARE SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS PREVENTABLE?

Slip and fall accidents are a common and costly public health issue.  If people and businesses would take the time to keep their property maintained, repaired, and cleaned, many slip and fall accidents could be prevented.  Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, at any time, at any age.  While the older population is perhaps more susceptible, it is not only the elderly who can take a fall.  Anyone can incur a serious and devastating injury from a slip and fall accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a slip and fall accident in Florida, Casas Law has experienced slip and fall lawyers in West Palm Beach, Florida.  This is a time when you need the guidance of an experienced attorney to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to maximize your recovery.