You are walking and suddenly you slip and stumble to the ground. This fall is not something you can brush yourself off from but has caused some serious injuries. Looking back, you can see that the incident could have been prevented if someone had fulfilled his or her responsibility to fix the hazardous environment.
Property owners and managers may be liable for the injuries you sustained if they were negligent or failed to correct a dangerous situation. When a slip and fall claim case is filed, the length of time needed to resolve the matter can depend on a multitude of factors. A Connecticut slip and fall case can take as short as a few months to as long as a few years. A faster resolution may depend on the lawyers you choose.
Some factors that may affect the time needed to reach a settlement would be the severity of your injury, as well as the time needed to gather evidence. How willing the other party is to negotiate a fair amount of compensation would also be taken into account.
If you have been injured due to slipping or falling in Connecticut through no fault of your own, no doubt you want the issue to be resolved as fast as possible. Injury Law can aggressively pursue your case so that you can attain fast results. Call us today at 888-WIN-FAST to schedule a free consultation.
You Can Be Prepared for the Slip and Fall Claims Process
Just the thought of starting a claim for your slip-and-fall accident can seem overwhelming, and you may wonder what your next step is. Thankfully, there is a general routine that must be followed so you can be assured of all the legal process entails before you start.
A timeline for processing your slip and fall claim can help you to be prepared and know what to expect. Here is an overview:
- Take immediate action to get medical attention and gather information relevant to your accident
- Send a demand letter and file a claim
- Negotiate
- Prepare for the case during the “Discovery phase”
- Reach a settlement or take the case to court
- Receive compensation
Expedite the Process by Taking Action Immediately After the Accident
Although you may still be stunned by the sudden slip-and-fall, the first step of the claim starts at that moment. This is the prime time when you can gather the information that will be advantageous in proving your case.
Here are some immediate steps you can take to make sure that the process of filing a claim is as smooth as possible:
- Get medical attention immediately after your injury. Having a documented record of your injuries helps solidify your case. A medical expert’s evaluation of your condition can also help you understand what medical costs you could be compensated for.
- Obtain evidence to support your case. If possible, take a picture of the scene of the accident. There must be evidence to show that the slip-and-fall was caused by negligence on the part of the property owner or manager. If there were any witnesses present, make sure to get their contact information. Evidence is a vital part of shortening the length of your case.
- Get information about the property or business owner. A property owner has a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of those on the property. This means that if you slip and fall due to the neglect of the property owner, you could be entitled to receive compensation from that party.
- Seek legal help. Attorneys who are experienced in personal injury law can give you the needed guidance to make sure you are taking proper steps so that you can receive fair compensation. Gould Injury Law works fast to get you faster results.
Although many of these steps can be taken immediately after the accident, the length of the entire claims process can range from a few weeks to a few years depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding your case.
Letting the Defendant Know Your Demands
Once you’ve gathered the information, you can formally send a demand letter to the appropriate court. This could be the property or business owner’s insurance provider. A demand letter expresses what you want to receive from the defendant.
Note that there is a statute of limitations in Connecticut to submit a claim for personal injuries, which means that you need to take action to file a claim within 2 years of your accident. However, it is vital that you know the full extent of your injuries at this point in time before sending a demand letter in order to be able to demand a fair amount for compensation.
With knowledgeable lawyers at your side, you can be sure that your demands for fair compensation are sent at the best timing to get faster results. The process of sending this letter can be expedited since lawyers know exactly what information is needed and how to do the necessary paperwork.
Be Ready for Wait Time and Back-and-Forth Negotiations
After filing a claim, there is a waiting period since the other party will have to respond. For the State of Connecticut, the defendant has up to 30 days from the return date to respond.
At this point, you may also receive calls to negotiate a settlement before the litigation starts. Oftentimes, the first offer is not enough to cover the costs of your injuries.
A fair settlement can often be reached before the case is taken to trial. Lawyers can help you so that you do not settle for less or say anything that puts you at a disadvantage.
It is important to not only calculate your current medical bills but also the cost of future medical expenses you may have to pay for due to the injuries sustained. The lost wages, or money you lost due to being unable to work while you cared for those injuries, could also be included.
This is a process that varies in time. The defendant might try to delay answering to your demand which prolongs the process. It may be weeks or months depending on how smoothly the negotiations go. Aggressive law firms like Gould Injury Law can push for your case so that you get fast responses and fast results.
Moving Forward With the Discovery Phase and Case Preparation
The discovery phase is where further investigation is conducted as the plaintiff and defendant make preparations before the case goes to court. Further evidence is gathered and witnesses are questioned. Each side will also be questioned under oath. Certain documentation relevant to the case may also be requested and gathered. Attorneys then consolidate their discoveries to solidify their strategy in court.
As more information comes to the surface, there may be more negotiations as each side may hope to reach a settlement before trial. This again may vary in length, from weeks to months. If a fair settlement can not be agreed upon, then the case will go to court.
