Most Common Slip and Fall Accident Questions

Senior Lady Slipping And Falling On A Wet Surface

The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani has handled a lot of slip and fall cases over the years. Our experience has proven that each case is unique, as are the circumstances around each accident and injury claim. Clients often have a lot of questions. Slip and fall claims can be complex and liability can involve a business, property owner, vendor, service contractor, or another party.

What Is A Slip and Fall Accident?

A person can slip and fall for many reasons. A slip and fall accident is one in which a person is injured due to the negligence of another party. Common causes include slippery floors, objects in walking paths, damage to walkways, poor lighting, snow, and ice, or broken/uneven stairs.

Common Questions

How Long Do Slip and Fall Settlements Take?

It depends on your case. If you sustained a minor injury and don’t require much care beyond emergency treatment, the case can settle within a few months. For injuries that require extensive medical treatment and that take a long time to heal, you may not know the full value of your case for months or years. Insurance companies have various ways of delaying settlements as well.

How Long Do You Have to Go to The Doctor After a Slip and Fall?

It’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Records from a medical professional are the most important pieces of evidence in proving the extent of your injuries and that they were caused directly by the accident. All information, including medical paperwork and receipts, are crucial in determining what your claim is worth and what future impacts your injuries might have.

How Much Is a Slip and Fall Case Worth?

Clients often want to hear upfront what their slip and fall settlement will be worth. The answer is often complex, as it depends on the details of your case, while medical bills, lost wages, and other financial impacts constantly change. Your personal injury lawyer can explain how settlements work and provide estimates based on similar cases they’ve taken on in the past.

What to Do If You Slip and Fall in a Store?

Stores and restaurants have a duty to keep visitors safe. If you slip and fall in a store, call an ambulance if you believe you’re seriously injured. Otherwise, visit a doctor or local hospital to ensure you get the proper treatment. Make sure the store manager writes up an incident report so there’s a record of your fall and injuries. An attorney should be contacted immediately. They can help gather important evidence such as video camera footage, pictures, and other pertinent details as well as fill out insurance forms.

What to Do If You Slip and Fall at Work?

Seek emergency medical attention right away and then notify your employer as soon as possible. Don’t delay treatment because you feel OK or embarrassed. In your report, include what caused the fall, what parts of your body were impacted, and any symptoms you feel. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, the insurance company may deny your claim if you didn’t report the incident soon enough or within your state’s deadline. They can also say you exaggerated your injuries or that the injury didn’t happen on the job if details are sketchy

How Do You File A Slip and Fall Report?

The procedure depends on the location and nature of the fall. Report the accident to a manager or property owner if it happened at a business. Call 911 if you are severely injured so first responders can provide a record of the incident and your condition. If injured at work, follow your employer’s policies for reporting a slip and fall accident. For injury reports filed by property owners, law enforcement, etc., make sure you receive a formal copy.

How Are Slip and Fall Settlements Determined?

To determine a settlement, your slip and fall lawyer will examine the extent and severity of your injuries and how they have affected your life. One complicating factor is if you have conditions similar to the harm/symptoms following the accident; an example is back pain. Offers can be reduced if you can’t prove the accident was the only cause of your problems.

There are different types of losses to claim. These include economic (financial) losses that can be calculated numerically and non-economic damages such as emotional distress and pain and suffering. A rare category, punitive damages are used when defendants engaged in wrongdoing and grossly negligent behavior that resulted in substantial harm.

What Do You Need to Prove to Win?

A successful argument proves you were authorized to be on the property where you suffered a slip and fall. You must also prove you fell on the defendant’s property as a result of a hazard, which also directly caused the injuries in question. The claim must also show the owner failed to take reasonable measures to correct the hazard or prevent injury, and that the hazard was not clearly visible as to be avoided. If the owner could have prevented or fixed the problem, such as repairing a walkway or drying a wet floor, you may be able to prove negligence.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?

Slip and fall accidents can happen just about anywhere. They are most common on job sites and in stores, restaurants, theaters, stadiums, and retirement homes. Hotels and other hospitality establishments see a lot of slip and fall incidents as well. Such accidents also occur in apartment complexes and private residences as well as on sidewalks and in parks.

When Should You Hire A Lawyer?

Minor bruising doesn’t justify hiring a lawyer. But if your injury required emergency care, you were hospitalized, or needed extensive and/or long-term medical care, hiring a lawyer is a good idea. As a general guideline, contact an attorney if the injuries you sustained required more than first aid to treat, you missed time from work due to your injuries, and you are in pain and have experienced a decline in quality of life.

Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani

We have won slip and fall cases that resulted in clients being awarded hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. Injuries such as broken bones, back injuries, and spinal cord injuries are often severe and life-changing. Our personal injury lawyer will represent you and fight the insurance companies to get what you deserve. Serving Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach, Orange County, Riverside County, and all of Southern California, we’re waiting to hear from you. Call 888-952-2952 for your free consultation.

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