After a slip-and-fall accident, the injured person wants to return to normal as soon as possible. The consequences of injuries do not wait and need immediate attention.
A significant concern is how long a settlement or case may take if the injury is due to someone’s negligence. Sorting out the law and damages takes time, and certain factors affect how long a claim may take.
Statutes of limitations and typical timeframes
California gives plaintiffs two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the property owner is a government entity, the plaintiff only has six months. These timeframes may seem generous, so an injured person might focus on medical treatment and delay working on the claim.
Settling claims often takes at least several weeks but can last for years, depending on complexity. A delay in investigating the claim can lead to losing evidence that can assist a claimant. Working with professionals to analyze the situation can make all the difference in the speed of the case and the size of the settlement or award.
The case for the defense
A defendant in a slip-and-fall case will work to prove that there was no negligence or duty to the plaintiff. The hazard on a property typically has to be something notable and obvious that an owner can repair.
Additionally, a defendant could claim fault on the part of the injured person. For example, if the plaintiff was engaging in conversation or looking at a smartphone, the property owner might contest that the injured person bears fault. If a case goes to trial, the losing party could appeal the verdict, prolonging the case.
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in severe injuries. An injured person can speed up the process of a claim by acting swiftly and building a solid case.