How to Value a Premises Liability “Slip and Fall” Injury Lawsuit

Duty Owed to Slip and Fall Victims

A slip and fall injury can be minor or serious, and often, the injured party is offered compensation by a defendant’s insurance company. When the injured party is not satisfied with the amount offered, he or she may proceed to litigation. The insurance companies of businesses or premises where a party is injured may be reluctant to offer a fair settlement if they do not believe they have been negligent. However, business or property owners are liable for injuries that occur to those who are on their property if they have failed to maintain a safe environment. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, it may be wise to hire a personal injury attorney.

When An Insurance Company Settlement Offer Fails

A settlement, in the case of a slip and fall accident, is a mutually agreeable arrangement for financial compensation for the injured victim. Sometimes, though, the insurance company and the injured party cannot initially agree on an amount. It is always wise to renegotiate a possible settlement before pursuing litigation.

In order to determine what amount of money would be appropriate compensation for a slip and fall injury, it’s necessary to get a medical evaluation of your injuries from a doctor. This doctor can tell you the extent of the injury and give you some idea of what treatment will be involved and how long recovery will take. Then, it’s easier to estimate how much treatment will cost and how much in wages will be lost.

How Compensation is Decided By a Jury

If you choose to proceed with litigation and your case goes to court, a jury will decide on the amount of compensation that the defendant must pay you. They will base much of this amount on what you’ve already paid or are paying for medical care, but may also add compensation for pain and suffering. If the injured party’s case against the defendant is weak and it is difficult to prove that the defendant was negligent in maintaining a safe environment, the injured party could lose the case altogether, receiving no compensation. That’s why initially trying to settle is a good idea. However, if you proceed with litigation, you need the best legal representation you can get.

Contact an Erie Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Slip and Fall Accident in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a slip and fall accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. represent clients injured because of slip and fall accidents in Erie, Meadville, North East as well as throughout Pennsylvania. Call 814-273-2010 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2525 W. 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.