A slip and fall accident occurs when someone trips, slips, or falls due to unsafe conditions like wet floors or broken steps. These accidents can cause serious injuries like broken bones, back pain, or head trauma. If you are hurt in a slip and fall, understanding what affects settlement amounts is key. Getting a good personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in your case. They’ll help you handle everything the right way and work to get you the money you need to move forward.
What Can Affect Your Slip and Fall Accident Claim
There are several things that will impact how much money you are able to recover from your slip and fall accident.
Severity of the Injury
One major factor in a slip and fall case is how severe your injury is. Doctors will document fractures, sprains, concussions, or long-term issues. More serious injuries require more medical care, more time away from work, and higher pain and suffering, which increases settlement value. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather medical records and talk to experts to help show how the injury has affected your life. This helps make your case stronger and supports your claim for fair compensation.
Liability and Property Owner Negligence
To win a slip and fall case, you’ll need to show that the property owner was careless and didn’t fix or warn you about a dangerous condition that caused your fall. That means they knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it. Common causes include spilled liquids, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces. Your personal injury attorney will investigate the scene, gather photos, obtain witness statements, and review maintenance logs to demonstrate negligence.
Comparative Fault
In Wisconsin, comparative fault applies to slip and fall cases. If you are found partly responsible for the fall, your compensation may be reduced. For example, if you were texting while walking and slipped on a wet floor, part of the blame might be placed on you. If that is the case, it may lower the amount of money you get. A good personal injury lawyer will work to lower your share of the blame and help you get the most compensation possible.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
A slip and fall settlement covers both current and future medical costs. Besides hospital bills, it includes rehabilitation, therapy, ongoing treatments, and assistive devices. Your personal injury attorney will calculate all these costs and use medical experts to estimate future expenses related to your injuries to ensure a comprehensive settlement amount.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If a slip and fall injury keeps you from working, you can recover lost wages. If you cannot return to your job or your earning ability is reduced, you can claim damages for loss of earning capacity. A personal injury attorney will gather pay stubs, tax records, and expert testimony to quantify these losses accurately.
Pain and Suffering
Slip and fall settlements don’t just cover medical bills. They can also include non-economic damages like pain and suffering, stress from the accident, and the impact the injury has had on your day-to-day life. These are measured by the severity and duration of suffering. A reputable personal injury attorney will use medical documentation and expert testimony to support these losses and ensure they are included in the settlement value.
Evidence and Documentation
Strong evidence is essential to winning a slip and fall settlement. This can include things like photos or videos of what caused the fall, witness statements, accident reports, and maintenance records. Your personal injury lawyer will collect and organize all this evidence to make sure nothing important is missed. A well-documented case increases the chance of fair compensation.
Insurance Company Negotiations
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. They may argue that your injury was minor or that you’re partially at fault. A skilled personal injury attorney knows how to negotiate with insurers. They can challenge their arguments, present solid evidence, and push for a settlement that reflects the true value of your case.
Statute of Limitations
Wisconsin sets a time limit for personal injury claims, including slip and fall cases. If you don’t file your claim within the legal timeframe, you could lose your right to compensation. A personal injury attorney ensures all filing deadlines are met and your case progresses on time.
Why You Should Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Handling a slip and fall claim on your own can be overwhelming. You may face lowball offers, lose valuable evidence, or miss deadlines. A personal injury attorney offers guidance, handles paperwork, negotiates with insurers, and fights for fair compensation. Their knowledge helps you focus on your recovery while they protect your rights.
Contact Us Today
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to get help. Connect with Neuberger, Griggs, Sweet & Froehle, LLP for dedicated representation at one of our locations in Watertown, Lake Mills, or Columbus, WI. To get started, schedule a consultation today. Call us at (920) 261-1630 and let our personal injury attorney team guide you toward the compensation you deserve. Remember, We’re Here, We Can Help.