Injury victims often wonder, “How much can you sue for after a slip and fall?” The answer depends on the severity of the injuries you sustained and the strength of your case’s evidence, among other factors. The safety of a property is often the property owner’s responsibility, so if you can show they were liable for your fall, you could seek compensation.
Each settlement is unique based on the specific facts of the case. When filing a personal injury case, having legal representation can help you navigate the settlement process and seek a fair amount.
Factors Affecting the Compensation Amount You Can Receive After a Slip and Fall
A key factor that will affect your potential compensation is your medical expenses incurred in treating the injuries. The court only factors in medical expenses if you seek medical attention after a slip and fall accident. Failure to seek medical attention makes it difficult to prove that the injuries sustained were from the slip and fall accident.
When you bring an injury case, other potential factors that could affect your settlement amount include:
- Your lost wages
- The cost of your future medical care
- The extent of your pain and psychological distress
How Proportionate Responsibility Laws Could Affect Your Compensation
Another factor that will affect the compensation amount you can sue for is your percentage of fault. Texas has proportionate responsibility laws where an injured party can still get compensated even if they are partly at fault for their injuries.
Proportionate responsibility laws reduce a plaintiff’s potential compensation amount by their own percentage of fault, however. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 states that one cannot recover any damages if you are more than 50% at fault. The property owner may argue that you were partially at fault if:
- The hazard or dangerous condition was obvious.
- You were wearing unsafe shoes or inappropriate footwear.
- You were not paying attention while on the property.
- You were on a part of the property where visitors are not allowed.
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Who Is Liable in a Slip and Fall Accident?
The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) estimates that more than 8 million hospital visits are due to slips and falls. Property owners owe their customers or visitors a duty of care to keep their properties safe from such slipping hazards. This means that the failure to ensure that a property poses no risk of harm typically lies with the property owner or another entity responsible for the property’s condition.
The parties who may be liable in a personal injury lawsuit after a slip and fall accident include:
- Property owners
- Renters
- Property managers
A renter could be liable if it is their responsibility to ensure that the property poses no risk to clients or guests.
However, the property manager may be liable if the slip and fall occurred as a result of a property management company’s negligence. For instance, the property owner may be liable if a property management company is responsible for outdoor lighting in a walkway and the slip and fall occurred due to faulty lighting.
However, the property owner, renter, or property manager may contest their liability for a slip and fall if hazard signs were posted on the property. In another example, say a visitor to a property tripped on a wet floor in a lobby. If wet floor signs were visible in the area where the fall occurred, the defendant could deny liability.
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
The aftermath of a slip and fall injury can be overwhelming. However, taking these steps after your accident can go a long way in protecting your case’s potential value.
Get Medical Attention
After a slip and fall accident, the first step you should take is to seek medical attention. Slip and fall accidents may not initially seem serious, but they may result in painful injuries. Seeking medical attention helps rule out any internal injuries or fractures you may not know about.
Medical attention helps you get compensated for any severe injuries sustained in the slip and fall accident. It will be easier for an injury lawyer to seek a settlement if you have medical records.
Without medical attention, it is impossible to answer the question, “How much can you sue for after a slip and fall?” The liable party may offer a lower settlement than you deserve if you do not know the severity of your injuries.
Get a Free Case Review
Contacting a lawyer’s office should be the second thing you do after suffering a slip and fall accident.
A personal injury lawyer’s team can explain your legal options. If you hire a lawyer, they can negotiate with the liable party’s insurer and seek the best possible settlement available in your case. The lawyer can file your personal injury claim in court if the liable party refuses to settle. Additionally, working with legal representation allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries.
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Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today
If you or your family member has suffered a slip and fall accident, you can seek compensation. However, many people ask themselves, “How much can you sue for after a slip and fall?” Our team can tell you what damages you qualify to seek.
With Loncar Lyon Jenkins by your side, you will have an advocate seeking the maximum compensation available to you. Act promptly to file a personal injury claim. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins at (877) 239-4878 today and get a free consultation.
