I slipped and fell on something leaking out of a cash register in a grocery store 3 months ago. I was with my 2 kids and had to take an ambulance with them. I had a concussion, major whiplash injuries, nerve damage in my cervical spine that caused extreme weakness in my right arm ( strength test shows 75 on left arm, 30 on right) and I have been going for epidural injections for the cervical spine and have been on pain medication ever since. I am in physical therapy 2x a week and have to see an orthopedist and pain mgmt specialist every 2 weeks.
the medical costs of copays alone has been putting me in a hole, no to mention the time it is taking away from my kids (3 kids under 4) for dr visits.
I have a lawyer who is in the process of getting all of my med records, but just wanted to get an idea of what I can expect as a settlement offer and what anyone thinks that I should deserve.
Common
Honestly? I'd expect you'll get an offer in the $ 5,000 range if you're lucky. They are going to be very suspicious that you received such serious injuries over a slip and fall. They're going to argue that these were pre-existing conditions or that you are exaggerating the extent of your injuries (I'm not saying you are, but this is what will happen).
Given what little you have told us of the situation, I don't think this is a case that will settle. You're going to be asking for more money (a lot more) than they are going to be willing to pay. I'd expect to go to trial on this case as you are going to need some expert witness testimony to establish your injuries.
ranger_co_1_75
It is customary for the courts to award 3 times the amount of monetary losses to you. That means medical and lost wages. Out of that, you will have to pay your attorney at least 30%, so if they offer a settlement near that amount, take it.
You won't be able to sue for higher damages unless you can show they were negligent. They knew there was a dangerous leak and did nothing to fix the problem.
roadhunter
Expect 3X medical bills along with lost wages and about $ 2K-$ 5K for your troubles.
galeo
First of all, you should NOT be having to pay Co-Pays. If you had a good Attorney, he would set you up with a Doctor who would see you, on a lien. Usually Attorneys have several Doctors, with many specialties that they send their clients to. Usually a case does not settle after only 3 months. The settlement depends on the extent of the injuries and usually a settlement is 3 times your medical bills. I don't know why Your Attorney isn't answering these questions. Are you sure you retained the right guy? You just need to continue your treatment and when you are getting near recovery, then you can discuss settlement. The place where you fell might offer a settlement, "out of court." Remember, your Attorney will usually swallow a third of the settlement right off the top. Then medical bills get paid, and you get the left over. Hopefully there will be additional monies for pain and suffering, and possibly monies for future medical care, if necessary. Just DON'T settle until you know you are okay. These cases can sometimes take a year or two. Again, your attorney should have an idea what this is worth, he should be able to give you a ball park figure. Good Luck!
Orignal From: Tips: how much should I expect as a settlement offer from this slip and fall accident?
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