If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident caused by another person or business, you may be concerned about the amount of compensation you can recover and how quickly you can get your settlement compensation. In a situation like this, where the fault clearly lies with another party, it is likely that you can receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages, but there are other types of damages you may be eligible to receive compensation for as well.
Onceyou finally reach the point of your slip and fall case is settled, you may be relieved that the long wait is over and you will soon receive your compensation in damages or otherwise and get on with your life. When will you receive your settlement check? While your case is almost finished, there are a few steps you must complete before you receive your payment.
There Are Many Types of Compensation Available for Injured Slip and Fall Victims
The amount of compensation you may recover is based on the circumstances of the case: whether you were partially at fault in causing the accident; the severity of your injuries; and how long you remain unable to work. Slip and fall victims may be eligible for the following types of damages:
Medical bills
This includes both past and future medical bills, as well as physical therapy and other necessary treatments. Damages may also be recovered for wheelchairs, walkers, prosthetics, or other medical equipment used to aid your recovery.
Lost Wages
This includes both past and future wages lost while you are recovering.
Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries are severe – such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury – you may not be able to return to work. In this situation, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings. Compensation could include training in another profession, if applicable.
Pain and Suffering
This includes damages for the pain and discomfort you’ve suffered as a result of your injuries.
Emotional Distress
This could be considered part of the damages for pain and suffering. It is awarded if you have suffered psychological injuries such as fear, anxiety, or loss of sleep due to your injuries.
Loss of Capability
If you are unable to engage in your favorite activities, hobbies, or exercise due to your injuries, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Incidental Expenses
It’s possible you will incur additional expenses due to your injuries. You may need to hire someone else to assist you with day-to-day personal needs or perform household chores and errands. You may also face higher transportation expenses if you need to travel far to see a medical specialist.
Assistive Tools
If you have suffered life-altering injuries may need assistive tools such as modifications to a vehicle or home to continue to be as independent as possible.
What Are the Steps to Finalizing Your Settlement?
It can take approximately four to six weeks to complete – assuming there are no problems. You need to understand that once you settle your slip and fall case, there is no turning back. Your case will be completed, and you cannot ask for more compensation if you later discover you suffered additional injuries or monetary losses. Hopefully, your attorney negotiated a settlement you believe compensates you. Here’s how the process of finalizing your settlement works before you receive your check:
1. Sign a Release
The first step in your settlement process is to sign a release. The release states that in exchange for your payment, you release the defendant from all claims for compensation arising out of your slip and fall accident. Often the defendant’s attorney will want to use his own release document, so your attorney will need to wait to receive and review it before you can sign it. The defendant will most likely also have to sign the release before a check can be issued. If you filed a lawsuit, an order dismissing the case will also need to be prepared and signed by you and the attorneys for the insurance company. This step in the process can take a few weeks to complete.
2. Checks Are Issued
Once the insurance company for the defendant receives the signed release, the adjuster will start the process for issuing your check. The process of issuing a payment and sending it to your attorney could take two to three weeks.
3. Checks Are Deposited
Your attorney will deposit the check in his client escrow account so that the attorney fees, medical bills if necessary, and costs associated with your case can be paid out of the settlement proceeds. This can take approximately three to seven days, depending on how fast the bank clears the check.
4. Settlement Proceeds Are Paid
Once the insurance company’s check has cleared, your attorney can write your check for the amount that you are entitled to. He will arrange for you to either pick up the check or mail it to you.
Have You Been Injured In A Henderson Slip and Fall Accident?
Keep in mind, it is important to keep financial records of all of the expenses you incur as a result of your slip and fall accident, so you can prove your damages. You should also discuss your current and future losses with a slip and fall accident attorney who can advise you on possible compensation. The process of finalizing your settlement does not happen overnight.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall you need to speak with an experienced slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule a free consultation with our slip and fall attorneys.
