How Much Is a Slip and Fall Lawsuit Worth?

Property owners and landlords are legally required to uphold a safe and passable environment for all individuals who traverse their premises. Liquid spills, poorly maintained walkways, and staircases without safety railings can all land a passerby in the hospital with a painful injury, all because the property owner failed to maintain the area where the injury occurs. Even seemingly minor instances, like someone slipping and falling, can result in major damage and, more alarmingly, a substantial hospital bill. 

Slip and fall accidents happen every day all over the country. Despite federal and state premises liability laws, these negligent property owners still refuse to respond adequately to hazardous areas on their property, which can lead to hundreds of accidents in grocery stores, apartment buildings, and more. The victims, often people who were just going about their day, can have their lives turned completely upside down, and they’re left to pick up the pieces on their own, in many cases.

Property owner negligence is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a crime. Anyone who falls victim to their failure to maintain their premises has grounds to file a lawsuit against them to recover the damages they sustained. This isn’t necessarily easy to do, especially when you consider all the evidence and legal prowess that goes into a successful case, which is why it’s important to team up with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to help increase your odds of success.

Morgan & Morgan’s premises liability team is uniquely capable of helping you hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence. With over $20 billion recovered on behalf of clients, offices from coast to coast, and the resources of America’s largest personal injury firm behind us, we aren’t afraid of any bully, and we’re prepared to fight For the People until we’ve recovered the damages you’re entitled to.

If you’re wondering how much a slip and fall lawsuit is worth, Morgan & Morgan has you covered. Read on to learn more about premises liability, or contact us today for a free case evaluation.

What Does a Slip and Fall Case Look Like?

Slip and Fall cases come in all shapes and sizes. Some happen in private residences, like apartment buildings, whereas others happen in more public places, like grocery stores, parks, and more. Each case is different, but you should remember that even minor slips and falls can result in major damage and potentially leave the victim with life-altering injuries. For example, there have been cases where a seemingly minor slip and fall in a grocery store has paralyzed the victim for life. But, on the other hand, you can also walk away without injuries. It just depends on the situation at hand. 

Every property owner is legally required to maintain safe and passable premises. Any hazards must be repaired in a timely manner, and if they aren’t, the property owner or landlord is liable for the damage. Here are a few examples of common hazards that cause slip and fall accidents:

• Uneven or poorly maintained walkways
• Clutter or garbage blocking hallways
• Broken windows, locks, or safety equipment
• Improper lighting at night
• Lack of adequate security
• Unrestricted hazardous, toxic, or dangerous materials 
• Broken stairs, doorways, or emergency exits

If the property owner can’t respond to a hazard in a reasonable amount of time, then they must give an adequate warning to notify passersby of the danger. This can take the form of a wet floor sign or caution tape, but it must display the danger of traversing the area in its current condition.

If someone falls victim to a hazard on the property, and the property owner has already posted a warning, then the victim can’t file a lawsuit against the owner. However, if the warning doesn’t display the danger of the area adequately enough, then the property owner might still be liable for the damage. Anyone who finds themselves in a complicated situation like this should contact an attorney, so they can work out the matter on your behalf.

What Injuries Result From Slip and Fall Accidents?

A slip and fall accident can cause injuries ranging from minor bruises to broken bones, nerve damage, and paralysis, even in cases where the victim didn’t fall from great heights. However, regardless of the damage you sustained, if the property manager acted negligently, you likely have grounds to file a lawsuit seeking damages.

Here are a few injuries that result from slip and fall cases:

• Broken bones
• Neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Spinal cord damage
• Concussions 
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Cuts
• Lacerations
• Bruising, both internal and external
• Paralysis

Some slip and fall situations are clear-cut cases where the victim is obviously not at fault for the damage, but others aren’t so clear. The “timely manner” in which property owners must respond to hazards on their property is often hotly contested, and you can be sure that the at-fault party will do their best to escape the liability of their actions. However, if you weren’t at fault for your slip and fall, then an experienced attorney will be able to uncover the truth, and there’s no better ally in your pursuit of rightful compensation than one of Morgan & Morgan’s slip and fall lawyers.

How Much Is a Slip and Fall Lawsuit Worth?

Your specific recovery will depend on your location, the damage you sustained, and the situation surrounding your case. While the most significant injuries garner the highest payout, even minor cases can result in six figures depending on your circumstances. In general, you should expect to recover the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Diminished/total loss of earning capacity
• Wrongful death, if applicable

These are merely common damages. If you feel you’re entitled to recover damages outside of the previously mentioned list, be sure to bring it up with your attorney. 

Unfortunately, the rise in medical costs has increased a victim’s need for compensation. A simple hospital visit can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and if surgery or rehabilitative treatment is involved, you can expect that number to increase substantially. Low-ball offers from insurance companies won’t cut it anymore, leaving victims with no options other than to fight back against the offer. 

Some of the largest slip and fall cases have resulted in multi-millions on the victim’s behalf. If you’re faced with a low-ball offer, just know that your situation is likely worth more, and you can potentially recover the full value with the help of an attorney. Morgan & Morgan’s slip and fall attorneys have a proven track record of recovering the maximum value of our client’s compensation even when the odds seem grim. If they won’t honor your rights and offer you a respectable offer, we’ll see them in court, and we’re always prepared for that possibility. 

How Can I Maximize My Slip and Fall Recovery?

Slip and fall cases happen quickly, but here are a few ways you can maximize your chances of reaching a successful verdict:

• Take photos/videos of the hazardous area
• Maintain detailed records of the situation leading up to and following your injury
• Seek medical attention immediately following your accident
• Be honest with your medical professional, telling them every area where you’re experiencing pain and discomfort
• Follow the advice of medical professionals regarding your injuries
• Team up with an attorney ASAP

External injuries are easy to document and treat, but internal damage isn’t as easy to remedy. There have been thousands of cases where individuals have walked away from their accidents without pain, only to find that they’re in serious discomfort hours or days after the fact. Additionally, neck and back injuries have the potential to cause pain years after your accident. If you didn’t report them immediately following your accident, it’s very difficult to recover compensation.

That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention and be honest with the medical professional responsible for your care. Their records are used to fight for your compensation, so give as much information as possible to give yourself the best possible chance of recovering the full extent of your damages.

Can I Sue a Major Company After a Slip and Fall on Their Property?

Yes, you can sue any company for a slip and fall on their premises. Major retailers, like Walmart, Target, and Dollar General, have all been found liable for premises liability violations because, at the end of the day, no one is immune from breaking the law.

These major players have trained legal teams and seemingly endless resources, which they often use to force victims into accepting a low-ball offer. This can make the victims feel powerless, like they don’t have an ally in their corner, but with a Morgan & Morgan attorney by your side, you’ll always have someone to advocate for the full value of what you deserve.

Morgan & Morgan’s Slip and Fall Attorneys Can Help You Advocate for True Value

In the most difficult moments of your life, Morgan & Morgan has your back. A slip and fall case has the potential to bring your life to a screeching halt. If the property owner fails to honor your rights and attempts to force you into accepting a low-ball offer, it can leave you to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses out-of-pocket. Unless you’re independently wealthy, this can add a significant amount of stress to an already frustrating situation, but you can mitigate the damage and recover what you’re entitled to by teaming up with an experienced attorney. 

Morgan & Morgan’s premises liability team has the resources to take on any negligent property owner. If they fail to maintain safe premises, then they’re legally liable for the damage, and our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination to hold them accountable. Plus, the fee is free when you team up with us, and you’ll never have to worry about paying out-of-pocket for our legal assistance. 

There might be a thousand personal injury firms that try slip and fall cases, but there’s only one law firm that can give you the best possible chance of reaching a successful outcome—Morgan & Morgan.

Complete our free, no-obligation case evaluation to get started.