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Slip and fall accidents can happen just about anywhere, and they often come down to more than clumsiness. If you were hurt from a slip and fall, you might be inclined to blame yourself—but more often than not, your injury happened due to negligence.
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe, and failing to remove a hazard or other circumstance that leads to a slip and fall means they are liable. Any financial recovery you seek will typically happen through the owner’s insurance company—and you’ll want to ensure the amount is large enough to cover your damages. While every slip and fall settlement varies depending on the situation, the average amount can be tens of thousands of dollars or much more. Here’s what goes into reaching a settlement and calculating that amount.
What Leads to a Slip and Fall Settlement?
If you were injured on someone’s property, it likely happened because they failed to maintain its safety. Examples of negligence include:
- Building code violations
- Unlit walkways
- Boxes or other merchandise falling from shelves
- Spilled drinks or other liquids in a grocery store aisle
If you fell because of a condition like this, you can make an insurance claim for any costs, or damages, you suffered as a result of the accident. Your settlement amount comes down to your total damages. You should call an experienced slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident. They can start investigating the scene and building a case to demonstrate your full damages, which will be included in your insurance claim.
In the best case scenario, the property owner’s insurance company will accept your claim, and you can receive the full financial recovery you need. However, insurance companies are notorious for trying to pay out as little as possible. They may reject your claim and offer a lower amount instead—often much less than you need to pay for your costs. Your slip and fall lawyer will then work to negotiate with the insurer and possible offer more evidence to support your original amount. This will hopefully lead to the negotiation of a fair settlement.
How Much Is a Slip And Fall Settlement Worth in Georgia?
Since there can be many types of slip and fall cases, it’s impossible to list one average amount. However, slip and fall accidents are one of the main causes of unintentional injuries—even deaths—in Georgia and the rest of the country. If your injuries are significant, your settlement amount could be up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The settlement is worth whatever your damages are. Those can include:
Medical Costs
After a slip and fall accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. This will create a record of how much you pay for your injuries. Even seemingly minor injuries can easily incur large costs from:
- Hospital bills
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Surgeries
- Ongoing medical costs, including physical therapy or rehabilitation
If your injuries change or worsen at all over time after the accident, document those changes and report them to your doctor and slip and fall attorney. You’ll want to ensure any additional expenses are covered now and in the future.
Loss of Income
If you had to miss work because of the accident and/or your recovery time, you’re entitled to financial recovery for those lost wages.
Pain and Suffering
These damages are less straightforward and will require calculation from an experienced attorney. They can include mental anguish, mood disorders, or other emotional damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident or your injuries.
To increase your chances of getting the fairest settlement for a slip and fall, you’ll also need to be your own advocate—starting right after the accident. Take pictures of the scene and your injuries as soon as you can, especially if the hazard can be removed or repaired quickly. Also, report the accident to a manager right away, and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Your lawyer can use all of this information to find out more about the case and compile evidence of negligence.
Talk to a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer for Free Today
To find out how much your slip and fall case is worth, give us a call. Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates have 20+ years of experience working with slip and fall victims. We’ll start with a FREE consultation to discuss your accident and your options. Then, we don’t get paid unless we win you money—so speaking and working with us is risk-free! Get started today by calling us at 404-400-4000, or completing the form to the right for your free consultation.
