Understanding Settlement Options for Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Unfortunately, slip-and-fall accidents are very frequent in the United States. Studies show that about one million Americans are injured in slip-and-fall accidents every year, while about 17,000 suffer fatal injuries. There are laws that help injured victims receive compensation for their injuries.
Defining Slip-and-Fall Law
Slip-and-fall law is a compilation of liability rules governing cases in which an individual falls to the ground and suffers harm due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. State law controls this law, and the 
basic rules of negligence usually apply to this law. Injured victims don’t necessarily have to slip for this law to be applicable. Any hazardous condition that promotes a stumble, overextension, twist, or any other movement that can injure an individual is governed by the slip-and-fall law. There can be specific causes for individuals falling, such as spilled liquids, cracked sidewalks, objects, snow, broken floor tiles, uneven steps, and potholes. There are different types of settlements for slip-and-fall claims.
Two Different Settlement Options
The two different settlement options for slip-and-fall accidents are out of court settlements and structured court settlements. Out of court settlements are settlements that agree and finalize upon a lump sum of money outside of court. This occurs when the injured victim, the injured victim’s attorney, and the liable person’s insurance company agree on an amount to settle on for the injury. It’s important to note that the insurance company’s goal is to settle for the least amount possible, and will sometimes try to convince the injured victim to settle on an amount before he or she obtains a lawyer. It’s important for injured victims to consult with a lawyer to ensure they are receiving the appropriate amount for their injuries.
Instead of a single lump sum, structured settlements grant injured victims compensation that’s dispersed over time, usually monthly or quarterly. Structure settlements are finalized upon by a court’s order. Injured victims are free to decide which settlement option is more beneficial to them; however, it’s important for them to accurately assess the extent of damage the slip-and-fall injury has caused them in order to determine if the settlement amount is fair or not.
It’s very important that injured victims select the right lawyer to help them during this process. When looking for a lawyer, injured victims should hire a lawyer with a good deal of experience in personal injury. A great attorney will help negotiate an adequate amount for any damages and losses, especially if injuries are serious and the case is complex.
At Los Angeles Injury Group, we have lawyers with decades of experience in helping clients receive sufficient settlement amounts for their injuries. We understand how detrimental slip-and-fall accidents can be for our clients, which is why we commit to our clients’ cases to ensure they receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, emotional distress, and mental anguish. We do not take our clients’ cases lightly. If you, or someone you love, received injuries in a slip-and-fall accident, call (310) 954-7248.
