Figuring out how long it takes to settle a slip-and-fall case can be complex. There are many factors that will be taken into consideration that determine how long it will be before your slip-and-fall settlement resolves. Understanding these factors can help you plan ahead and get the insight you need to prepare accordingly.
Your dedicated Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyer from Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer can help you do a deep dive into the specific circumstances of your case. When we evaluate how your accident occurred, who is responsible, and the various ways your life has been affected by your injuries, we will have a better idea of how long it takes to settle your slip-and-fall case. Here is more about which elements can have the greatest impact on the length of time it takes to resolve a slip and fall and how you can do your part to expedite the process.
Slip and Fall Settlements Are Involved
Slip and fall settlements are involved. There are many factors that will be taken into account when determining how much compensation should be awarded and how long it takes to settle a slip-and-fall case. Understanding these factors can help you prepare accordingly.
The Investigation into Liability
The amount of time it takes to investigate the cause of the slip and fall will have a tremendous impact on how long it will take to settle the case. Your premises liability lawyer will need to conduct an intensive investigation. Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer needs to carefully evaluate how your slip and fall occurred so we can determine who is at fault.
The investigative process can be time-consuming. We need to hire witnesses, analyze evidence, request statements from witnesses and responding officers, and build your lawsuit against the liable party all at the same time. Although the investigation may take several weeks or longer, the goal is to uncover the information and evidence we need to win.
Gathering Supporting Evidence
Throughout the investigation, we will need to gather supporting evidence. Obtaining this evidence can take longer than you might have thought. For example, even if we know there is video footage of the accident or request copies of repair logs or safety inspection reports, it could take several weeks or longer to access this information after it has been requested.
Quantifying Your Damages
We also need to carefully review every way your life has been affected by your slip and fall injuries. Sometimes, this can take longer than expected, particularly if you are still in the throes of your recovery. While recuperating, you may not have a firm understanding of how your life is going to be affected even after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), as described by the US Department of Labor.
It is essential to consider the future impact your injuries might have on your life. You do not want to accept a settlement offer from the property owner or other liable party only to discover that your condition has worsened years down the line and you do not have the compensation to cover the costs. If we consider the impact now, we can ensure the liable party is held accountable for these future costs as well.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
It can also take time to settle the slip and fall claim due to negotiations with the insurance company. Preparing the insurance claim is not what takes time. The negotiation process can be difficult.
The insurance company is going to lose money if it pays out on your claim. For this reason, you can expect the insurance adjuster to look for reasons for your claim to be denied. Holding insurance companies accountable when they attempt to reduce injury victims’ damages can be a back-and-forth process that can lengthen the amount of time it takes to settle your slip and fall claim.
Trying Your Slip and Fall Accident Case
If your slip and fall accident case goes to trial, it could take a year or more for your settlement to be resolved. We will need to make sure your lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations expires, which is typically two years from the accident date per 42 Pa.CS §5524. After filing the claim in the civil court system, we will need to go through discovery.
This is where the defense has an opportunity to review our evidence, and we have an opportunity to review the defendant’s case. We will need to file any pretrial motions before your case is heard in court as well. Once you finally have your day in court, it can still be several months or more before the defendant actually compensates you for the ordered damages if your case was successful.
In many cases, the judge will order the defendant to make their payment promptly. However, that does not necessarily mean they will take the order seriously. For this reason, it may be in your best interests to go into the claims process with the expectation that justice will be served in due time.
Demand Rand. Turn to a Reputable Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer for Help Today
Slip-and-fall accidents and other types of personal injury lawsuits should not be rushed through. It can take a significant amount of time to conduct a comprehensive investigation and gather the evidence needed to establish liability in a slip-and-fall case. It is important to trust the process.
You should be able to trust that your Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer with Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer is working as quickly and efficiently as possible to build a powerful claim against the at-fault party. Having successfully recovered over $750 million for thousands of clients over the years, you can feel confident with Rand Spear handling your slip and fall case. Fill out our quick contact form or call our office to schedule your 100% free consultation as soon as today.
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