How Long Does a Slip and Fall Settlement Take?

May 5, 2021
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So, how long does a slip and fall settlement take? If you suffer an injury after a slip and fall, you know that such injuries take a financial toll. On top of lost work time, you might be facing steep medical bills and rehabilitation costs. These costs are even more frustrating when someone else’s negligence causes the fall. In such an event, you are likely considering filing a lawsuit or a claim for damages from the responsible party. 

When clients come to Rue and Ziffra, they often ask our slip and fall lawyers, How long do slip and fall settlements take? This is an important consideration any time you file a claim for damages. The answer is not so simple.

How Long Do Slip and Fall Settlements Take?

Since each case is different, there is no real average length of time a settlement takes. It may take a couple of months, but it also may take a couple of years. Despite this, however, there are a few indicators you can look at with your slip and fall lawyer to help estimate how long your slip and fall settlement might take.

The Complexity of the Case

Your case’s complexity is the most important factor in estimating how long a slip and fall settlement will take. A relatively simple case may settle in a matter of weeks or months. Conversely, a complicated case can take years to settle and may even go to trial. Going to trial will always prolong the settlement process. Two important determining factors in every case are the type of damages, the amount of damages, and the clarity of fault.

The Amount of Your Damages

The more damages you seek in a given slip and fall case, the longer a settlement will take. If your damage totals are relatively small, like a couple of medical bills and a day or two of lost wages, the case may settle quickly. Suppose your damages include medical specialists, surgery, and rehab. In that case, the opposing party is more likely to seek to negotiate the damage amount down and potentially call into question some of the damages. The more negotiating that takes place, the longer the settlement process will be.

What Type of Damages You Are Claiming

Some types of damages are more likely for the opposing party to dispute than others. Non-economic damages are especially susceptible to this. Unlike economic damages that have an objective provable value, non-economic damages are subjective, and their value is too. If you seek non-economic damages in the form of, say, loss of enjoyment of life or pain and suffering, the opposing party is more likely to dispute the amount you seek and the existence of such damages. When an opposing party disputes damages, more negotiations must occur, and the likelihood of a trial increases.

Whether Fault Is Disputed

Disputes regarding fault and negligence in a slip and fall case can dramatically impact the length of time a settlement takes. If fault and negligence are clear and indisputable in a claim, the length of the settlement process will shorten. If it is unclear who is at fault in the claim and the opposing party denies fault or claims that you are partially at fault, the settlement process will take longer. If the opposing party outright denies and refuses to acknowledge any fault on their part, the case may have to go to trial, which can take quite a long time. If fault is clear and undisputed, a settlement may happen quickly, but if the question of fault becomes complex, the settlement process will generally take longer.

If You Were Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident Rue & Ziffra Can Help

If you suffer an injury in a slip and fall, Rue & Ziffra’s slip and fall accident lawyers are here to help you get the justice you deserve. If someone else causes your injury, you shouldn’t have to bear the costs alone. At Rue & Ziffra, we have over 40 years of experience helping injured clients recover the compensation they are due. We pride ourselves on our approachability and the accessibility we give our clients. If you have any questions or concerns during your settlement process, you should never be afraid to reach out to us. If you need help with a slip and fall claim, contact Rue & Ziffra today for a consultation! Or you can always call us at 1-800-JUSTICE.

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