Slip and Fall Case Basics

Do you have questions about what counts as a slip and fall case? In this three-part series, we’ve got answers to all the questions you wanted to know about but were afraid to ask! First our slip and fall accident lawyers will cover the basics.

What Is a Valid Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

To determine if you have a valid slip and fall claim, consider these key elements: the accident must have happened on someone else’s property, like a store, private residence, or government property, and there must be proof that the owner or occupier was negligent in maintaining safe conditions.

Just because an accident happened on someone else’s property doesn’t automatically make them liable. To have a strong case, you need to prove the property owner or occupier knew about the hazardous conditions was negligent.

What Evidence Do I Need?

In slip and fall cases, evidence is key to proving negligence:

• Photos or video footage of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Accident reports from the property owner or manager
• Medical records documenting your injuries

How Long Do Slip and Fall Cases Take to Settle?

Slip and fall accidents might seem simple, but they are often complex and difficult for a slip and fall lawyer to resolve. The key legal issue is whether the responsible party knew or should have known about the trip hazard. Cooperation of the insurance company can also impact the time it will take to reach a settlement.

Knowledge of Hazard

In slip and fall lawsuits, property owners often defend themselves by claiming they were unaware of the hazard. The key issue is whether they took reasonable precautions to prevent it.

Subcontractors

Slip and fall claims can be complicated due to subcontracting of cleaning and maintenance services by large retailers, making it difficult to determine liability. Identifying the correct party for a personal injury claim is often challenging, as property owners may be uncooperative.

Payouts

Slip and fall injury cases, though challenging, can lead to significant settlements. Large retailers often prefer settling a slip and fall incident out of court to avoid negative publicity and potential class action lawsuits. Skilled attorneys can use this to negotiate favorable settlements and recover compensation for their clients.

How Much Money Does Walmart Settle for Slip and Fall Accidents?

Walmart faces nearly 5,000 lawsuits annually—often settled out of court—primarily from employees and customers, often due to slip and fall injuries in stores. Settlements for these cases range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.

How Much Is a Slip and Fall Accident Worth?

The financial value of a slip and fall case largely depends on the injury’s nature and severity. Medical bills and expenses often serve as the minimum value of a case, and compensation for other damages such as lost wages can increase the value of personal injury claims.

For minor injuries like a broken finger, compensation covers medical costs and pain. More severe injuries, such as spine or head trauma, lead to higher settlements due to long-term care and diminished life quality.

What Injuries Can I Get From Falling?

Slip and fall incidents account for about 12% of 8 million ER visits and can lead to various injuries, generally classified as soft tissue injuries or fractures:

• Soft tissue injuries, like sprains and bruises, may not cause immediate pain and often require imaging for diagnosis.
• Fractures, ranging from hairline to severe breaks, cause instant pain and require urgent care, sometimes surgery.
• Spinal injuries, caused by twisting or trauma, can impact nerves, potentially leading to permanent damage.
• Traumatic head injuries (TBIs) can occur from sudden jolts similar to whiplash, without direct head impact.

How Long Will I Be Sore?

The healing time for injuries varies based on the individual, medical treatment and injury severity. Sprains and bruises may take weeks, broken bones months, and ligament injuries longer.

Contact Chicago Slip & Fall Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Chicago, contact an experienced slip and fall injury attorney at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. We’re ready to answer your questions, call us. It’s free.

Find More Answers: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Slip & Fall Accident Cases

• Part 1: Slip and Fall Case Basics
• Part 2: Slip and Fall Case Examples
• Part 3: How to Win a Slip and Fall Case