How Much Money Can You Get For A Slip-And-Fall Accident?
People involved in slip-and-fall accidents invariably want to know how much money they can expect to receive if they decide to pursue a claim. While one study estimates the median award in premise liability cases to be about $90,000, the exact amount you receive depends on several factors.
The Severity of Your Damages
The tangible damages (i.e. physical injuries, property loss) you suffered as a result of the accident will form the foundation of your award. For instance, if you broke your leg after slipping on water at a grocery store, the company would be liable for reimbursing you for your medical costs at minimum.
Needless to say, the greater your damages, the bigger your potential payout will be, particularly if your injury results in permanent disability or requires long-term treatment. These types of cases can potentially end with six- or seven-figure payouts when intangible damages are factored in, such as pain and suffering and reduced earning capacity.
Every case is different, though, so it's important to consult with an attorney about yours. The lawyer will look over the facts and provide an estimate of how much compensation you're likely to receive. They can then help you take the next steps if you decide to sue.
Your Culpability for the Accident
Another thing that will determine how much money you get for your slip-and-fall accident is whether you did something that contributed to the incident. If you were looking at your phone instead of paying attention to your surroundings, the defendant could make the case that the accident wouldn't have been as severe if you'd been paying attention, for example. The court may reduce your award based on that.
Depending on where you live, you may be subjected to contributory or comparative negligence laws. Both torts let the judge or jury assign a certain amount of liability to you based on your actions. However, with comparative negligence, your award is only reduced by the percentage assigned to you, while you can be denied compensation altogether if your contributory negligence percent exceeds a certain level.
An attorney can advise you about which tort is used in your state and how it will affect your case. They will, then, work out a strategy to minimize the impact so you can obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible.
For more information about damage awards or assistance with your slip-and-fall case, contact a local slip-and-fall attorney.