Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common claims under personal injury cases. While people may have certain thoughts about causes of slip and fall accidents as only wet floors and banana peels, it’s typically more severe than that. It also accrues many liabilities and applies in a lot more uncommon situations than is popularly known. While your lawyers can always work out compensation, there are some interesting facts about slip and fall cases that you probably never knew.
- Cost: According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control), a slip and fall accident can averagely cost about 30 000 to 40 000 USD dollars. This cost accumulates the hospital visits, rehabilitation, drugs, insurance, legal, etc. However, the cost doesn’t accommodate other effects associated with living with a disability or the victim’s dependence on others. While you may want to foot our bills yourself, it is essential to note that these medical expenses build up so fast.
- Multiple Claims: In some slip and fall cases, the victim may be suitable to have more than one claim against various defendants. This opportunity will depend on the existing insurance, where the accident happened and what caused the accident. For example, falling in an elevator can accrue staff benefits through your employer’s insurance company, and you can file for premises liability against the property owner if the elevator was defective without a warning sign.
- Age as a factor: According to the US National Library of Medicine, more than one-third of people over 65 years fall every year, and about half of those falls are recurrent. As expected, the older you get, the more likely it is for a fall to occur, and unfortunately, age also increases the probability of the fall being more serious.
- Timelines: The timelines for filing cases that involve a slip and fall differ based on the circumstances surrounding the accident. If someone slips and falls on private property such as a residential home or hotel, or eatery, the person would need to file a claim in 2 years – 2 years within the accident date. However, suppose it’s public property, such as a park in the city or a government building. In that case, the person needs to file a claim, a premises liability lawsuit, within a year of the accident.
- Percentage of trials: Only a small percentage of cases make it to trial in slip and fall cases. Most people don’t file their claims because of various concerns around slip and fall cases. They may be afraid of testifying or even worry about accusing a person or people. However, not all cases must go to trial. You play an active part in what gives and if the case gets to go to trial or be concluded in the settlement stage.
Here’s why you need a lawyer
Slip and fall lawyers are experienced enough to help you determine the worth of your claim and the steps to take to get your compensation with the least hassle. It’s their job to highlight the strengths and downplay the weaknesses of your case. Personal injuries take a toll on the victims, and experienced lawyers are trained to make that phase easier.