Slip and Fall Claims: How to Prove Fault and Maximize Compensation
Key Facts About Premises Liability:
- Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions
- Average slip and fall settlement: $30,000-$50,000 (National Safety Council)
- You typically have [Your State] years to file a claim
Proving the Property Owner Was at Fault
Critical Evidence You Need:
- Photographic Proof:
- Clear shots of the hazard (wet floor, broken step, poor lighting)
- Timestamped within 24 hours (phone metadata is admissible)
- Include measurements/objects for scale (coin next to crack)
- Witness Statements:
- Employees who knew about the danger (“That leak was reported last week”)
- Other customers who saw the accident
- Maintenance logs showing neglect
- Incident Reports: Always demand a copy of the store/business’s written report
Automatic Claim Killers: Insurance companies will deny compensation if:
- You were trespassing in restricted areas
- Security footage shows intoxication
- You ignored obvious warning signs
Calculating Your Full Compensation
Economic Damages
- Medical Bills: ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy
- Future Care: Knee replacements, chronic pain management
- Lost Wages: Time missed during recovery
- Earning Capacity: Reduced pay from permanent disability
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Daily discomfort and limitations
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety about future falls
- Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t play with grandchildren, etc.
Multiplier Method: Serious cases calculate pain/suffering by multiplying economic damages by 1.5-5x depending on:
- Severity of injuries
- Recovery time
- Impact on quality of life
Don’t Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer
Our premises liability attorneys have secured:- $250,000 for a grocery store slip causing spinal damage
- $180,000 for uneven pavement leading to wrist fractures
- $95,000 for hotel shower falls with no grip bars
No fees unless we recover compensation for you