Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere you go, hurting but only leaving a bruise. The problem is that such accidents may also lead to more serious consequences. Injuries can take time to show up, but when they do, you may feel serious pain that impacts your life in ways you never expected. Slip and fall accidents can impact your ability to earn money, provide care for others, and enjoy your life to the fullest. If you have become a victim of a slip or fall accident caused by someone’s negligence, then you may be liable to make a personal injury claim to get the compensation you deserve.
In the State of Florida, laws have been created that specify the strict guidelines property owners must follow to prevent accidents. Failing to ensure that their premises are a safe environment for visitors can make them liable for the cost of any damage suffered. However, cases can be complicated to build, and evidence is strongest when collected immediately after the accident occurs. Therefore, it is vital that you seek reputable legal advice as soon as possible.
The Law Place is dedicated to helping those that have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Our team has over 75 years of combined experience that we use to build the strongest cases possible. We offer a free consultation service that will allow you to ask any questions you may have before deciding to work with us. We pride ourselves on our success with previous clients, so we will fight to get you the results you deserve.
Take back control of your life by calling us at (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.
Do Many Slip and Fall Cases Settle Out of Court?
It may be relieving to hear that most slip and all cases never go to court at all. Despite what you may think, only 2% of all slip and fall cases end up going to trial. This is because there are many reasons for cases to be settled outside of a court. The number one reason is the high number of cases in the State of Florida. The court systems simply would not be able to handle all the slip and fall cases that are filed every year.
The other important factor that sees most slip and fall cases being settled outside of court. Any threat of pursuing your premises liability claim in a court will usually persuade the property owner and/or insurance company to agree to the settlement that your personal injury lawyer has negotiated. This is so that they can avoid facing extra costs and running the risk of losing the case in court.
It is never advisable to talk to an insurance company adjuster openly. They are notorious for using the information provided by victims against them later down the line. Being represented by a reputable personal injury attorney will give your case the best chance of success. If you have any further questions about taking your personal injury case to court, then do not hesitate to contact us. Our team at The Law Place is dedicated to making sure that all our clients get the settlement offer they are entitled to whilst communicating with them every step of the way. If you have faced damages and seen a reduced quality of life in an accident that wasn’t your fault, then we are here for you.
Who Can You File a Claim Against?
Slips and falls are considered premises liability cases, which means that you may have the ability to file a claim against several parties. There are numerous potential defendants that could have been responsible for your accident, including the property owner, the property manager, the rental company, and the homeowner association. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the safety of anyone who legally enters their property. This means that any hazardous conditions will be the responsibility of those in charge of the property, as well as any accidents that occur as a result.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. What Happens After a Claim Is Filed?
After filing a slip and fall claim, the attorney of the claimant will usually file a package that states the settlement demands. This package normally includes a letter stipulating the following:
- The circumstances surrounding the accident that led to it happening.
- The injuries sustained by the victim as a result.
- The medical treatment that was then received.
- The medical expenses that followed due to the accident.
- The monetary compensation that the claimant demands.
The insurance coverage that you hold will affect the figure of your monetary demand. The policy that you hold must be able to cover the cost of your claim, including medical costs and damages. The letter that your attorney sends will also include all relevant evidence of your claim, such as medical records and invoices.
After receiving your demand package, your insurance adjuster will make an initial offer which they hope you take. It is not uncommon for this settlement figure to be much lower than you have requested or for the insurance company adjuster to deny liability entirely.
Do not be surprised if your insurance adjuster claims that you were responsible for your own accident due to lack of caution, not paying attention, or even because of your shoes. Furthermore, they may say that the property owner was not given the appropriate time to fix the hazard that caused your accident. Having the advocacy of a personal injury attorney greatly reduces the risk of your insurance adjuster attempting to shift the blame back onto you. Hire an experienced attorney that has seen these tactics before and knows exactly how to handle them.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience How Much Do Slip and Fall Cases Settle for?
Every case that is settled in Florida sees a different result. There is no concrete amount that cases usually settle for as each case has a lot of different variables. Your settlement will be based on the circumstances of the accident, as well as how it was then handled afterward. If you have been the victim of a slip and fall accident, then the amount that you receive as your settlement could depend on these factors:
- How severe your injuries are.
- How much these injuries have impacted your life.
- Who is found to be the negligent party responsible for your accident; in slip and fall cases, this is usually the property owner.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. What Damages Could I Receive in a Slip and Fall Accident Case?
Slip and fall accidents happen often. It has been reported by the National Safety Council (NSC) that approximately 800,000 people end up in hospital after receiving injuries from a slip and fall every year. There are several areas in which victims face damages, and these can all be accounted for when a compensation settlement is agreed upon. Here are some of the damages that a victim is liable to claim back when they present their case:
- Lost wages.
- Medical bills.
- Permanent injury or disability.
- Pain and suffering.
- Expenses that are a result of injuries, e.g., transport to and from appointments.
What Further Compensation Could I Receive After a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida?
As well as being able to fight for the compensation to cover the general damages we have previously mentioned, slip and fall victims can also receive compensation that reimburses them for how the accident has impacted their personal life. With an experienced personal accident attorney, it is possible to receive compensation for the following damages:
- Worry and grief.
- Problems with sleep.
- Losing the ability to fully enjoy life.
- Missing events with loved ones due to the injuries sustained.
- The inconvenience that the accident has caused your life.
At The Law Place, we aim to create an attorney-client relationship that builds trust between both parties. It is our goal to make sure that you receive every penny you deserve for the suffering you have faced due to someone else’s negligence. Working with us will allow you to get your life back on track, put your accident behind you, and focus on your future.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Slip and Fall Injury Claim?
Claiming compensation for damages such as pain and suffering and medical costs requires you to act as quickly as possible. Florida has a statute of limitations on slip and fall cases, the details of which are under Florida Statute 713.23. This states that victims of slip and fall injuries have four years to file a case for compensation after the accident. If a case is made after these four years, then their claim will be barred, and their right to compensation will have expired.
If you have lost a loved one due to a slip and fall accident, then the statute of limitations in Florida only allows you two years to file a wrongful death claim. These statutes do not give victims a long time to recover from their injuries, find representation, and then build a case. That is why it is so important that your first move following an accident is to find a personal injury lawyer that can do the hard work for you. The faster you act, the easier your life will be in the long run. Medical bills can be extremely expensive, and your insurance company will almost certainly offer you less money than you are entitled to. Call The Law Place to speak to a representative that will give you the advice you need to take action today.
Why You Shouldn’t Accept a Settlement at the Beginning of Your Case
You should never take the first offer of a settlement that an insurance company adjuster offers you without the trusted advice of a lawyer. The main priority of insurance companies is to make sure that they save as much money as possible. This means that they will try a series of tactics to deny your claim or ensure that you agree to a lesser settlement. Whilst taking a quick settlement may seem like the easiest option for you, it can ultimately result in you losing the money that you deserve. To understand all of your legal rights before you make any final decisions, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer that can stand up to insurance companies today.
How Do I Settle My Claim?
To successfully settle a slip and fall claim, you will need to hire the representation of a law firm that will file a strong personal injury claim on your behalf. The strength of your case will rely on the evidence that you have been able to collect, as well as what has been recovered by your attorney. The settlement offer you are presented with will initially be lower than you want it to be. Do not worry. This is where your attorney will step in to negotiate a fairer deal on your behalf.
The attorney you hire will also be responsible for completing the complicated paperwork that this process requires. If you agree that the settlement offer is unsatisfactory, then they will make sure that your case is taken to a court where they will fight for you to receive appropriate compensation. Therefore, your best chance at success requires the advice of an experienced attorney that knows Florida law and has experience with cases like yours.
Should I Accept a Cash Settlement From the Insurance Company Adjuster for My Slip and Fall Injury? FAQ
Is it advisable to accept an initial cash settlement from the insurance company adjuster for a premises liability injury?
Accepting an initial cash settlement from the insurance company adjuster for a premises liability injury without consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can be risky. Insurance companies often rush to offer a settlement to minimize their payouts. This initial cash settlement may not fully cover your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the premises liability accident.
Why do insurance companies rush to offer a settlement?
Insurance companies rush to offer a settlement in most personal injury lawsuits, including those involving a premises liability injury, to close the case quickly and economically. By settling early, they aim to avoid a potentially larger payout that could result from a more thorough investigation of the injury’s impact on the victim’s life.
What should I consider before accepting an insurance settlement?
Before accepting an insurance settlement, it’s crucial to consider the full extent of your injuries, including future medical expenses and the impact on your ability to earn a living. An experienced premises liability lawyer can help assess the fair value of your claim, ensuring the settlement agreement reflects the true cost of your premises liability accident.
What if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement?
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, having experienced personal injury attorneys by your side is invaluable. They can escalate the matter by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner whose negligence led to your injury. Most personal injury lawsuits can be settled out of court, but your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to achieve a just outcome.
Speak to One of Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Today
The team of attorneys at The Law Place has seen many cases like yours. They have gotten the results that clients need time after time and take their vast experience into every case they commit themselves to. To stand up to the tactics of your insurance company adjuster, you will need an attorney that can fearlessly defend your case. Our 75 years combined experience means that you will get the advocate you need for success.
We want to make sure that all our clients are completely comfortable before making any decisions. Therefore, we offer a free consultation service, which allows you to voice any queries or concerns that you have before deciding to hire us. We will always give unbiased and honest advice in all our consultations.
If you have suffered injuries as a result of a fall that wasn’t your fault, then you should call us as soon as possible. Our lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you will always have someone to rely on.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation at (941) 444-4444.
