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After a slip and fall accident, your costs can add up quickly. From medical bills to lost wages to replacement services, it can feel like each day brings new financial hurdles. Understandably, you’re probably eager to get your hands on compensation for your injuries. However, while some claims are settled in a matter of weeks, depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your case, it could take months or even years before yours is resolved. 

Let’s look at a few factors that might affect the timeline of your slip and fall accident claim: 

The Scope of the Investigation 

Before entering into settlement negotiations, you will need to gather strong evidence to support your case. This process will usually involve a thorough investigation into what happened and may even require input from various expert witnesses such as healthcare providers, vocational experts, economists, and accident reconstructionists.  

Depending on the scale of this fact-finding mission, it could take weeks, months, or even years to build a convincing case. However, it’s important to leave no stone unturned as an in-depth investigation could mean the difference between a fair settlement or walking away empty handed. 

The Time It Takes You to Reach Maximum Medical Improvement 

Recovering from a serious injury can take a considerable amount of time. During your recovery, you may have to undergo many unanticipated procedures, take additional prescription medication, and schedule consultations with various specialists.  

Until you’ve achieved maximum medical improvement (MMI)—the point in your recovery where your condition isn’t expected to improve with further treatment—you probably won’t have a clear idea of all the costs involved with treating your condition. As such, it’s best to wait until you’ve achieved MMI before agreeing to a settlement offer. 

The Number of Parties Involved 

From the property owner to their maintenance contractors to their respective insurers, a slip and fall claim can involve many different liable parties. While naming more individuals and entities in your claim won’t necessarily prolong proceedings, there is always a chance that these parties will disagree over how liability is apportioned leading to delays. 

The Strength of Your Evidence 

Without access to strong evidence, you’ll leave the door wide open to disputes resulting in potential delays as you scramble to counter any resulting defenses. Additionally, if it emerges that you made any mistakes—such as posting about the accident on social media—you could face additional challenges during proceedings. Thankfully, a skilled personal injury lawyer can not only help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim and mitigate disputes, but can also help guide you through the claims process and advise you on how to sidestep potential errors. 

Discuss Your Claim with a California Slip and Fall Attorney 

Were you injured on someone else’s property? You may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages by filing a claim against the owner and other liable parties. 

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we can assist at every stage of proceedings, providing tenacious representation from the initial consultation until the final verdict. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or visit our contact page HERE to request a free case review with a California slip and fall attorney.