Slip and fall accidents are an all-too-common occurrence in Adelaide, South Australia and can happen anytime to anyone. They often result from wet floors, uneven pavement or poorly lit areas – creating perilous public place areas that can cause significant injury. Victims of these accidents may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained as a result of such accidents, In this article we explore claims and settlements in public liability matters in Adelaide, South Australia.
Slip and Fall Incidents in Adelaide
Slip and fall accidents happen when someone slips, trips or falls on an unstable or unsafe surface such as shopping centres, restaurants, workplaces or public areas. Common causes for slip and fall accidents in Adelaide typically include:
Uneven pavement, wet or slippery floors, loose tiles or floorboards missing or missing tiles and floorboards as well as poor lighting can all contribute to hazardous walkway conditions and increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Slip and fall injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious problems such as broken bones, head trauma and spinal cord damage; in extreme cases it can even result in fatality. Without adequate warning signs, slip and fall accidents could even prove deadly.
Slip and Fall Claims in Adelaide
If you have been injured in an Adelaide slip and fall accident, you could be entitled to compensation for injuries, medical expenses and related costs. To successfully make a slip and fall claim in Adelaide, it will be necessary to establish that the property owner or occupier was negligent, which led to your injuries. It may be the case that the property owner is a government instrumentality.
To prove negligence, you will need to demonstrate that a property owner or occupier failed to take reasonable measures to prevent an accident from occurring – such as failing to clean up a spill, repair broken tiles or place warning signs at a hazardous area. Furthermore, you will also need to prove their actions caused your injuries.
To make a slip and fall claim in Adelaide, it is advisable to get prompt legal advice from an experienced compensation lawyer. Your compensation lawyer will be able to not only assess your potential claim, but help you gather all the requisite evidence to substantiate your claim.
Slip and Fall Settlements in Adelaide
If you have been injured in Adelaide as a result of a slip and fall accident, engaging an experienced compensation lawyer does not actually mean that your matter will progress to court. The far majority of compensation cases settle without a need to go to court.
Settlements are typically reached through negotiations between your personal injury lawyer and the property owner’s insurance company. The amount of compensation that may be payable to you will depend on factors such as the severity of injuries sustained, medical treatment received and the impact of those injuries long term. For example, it may be the case that the injuries you sustained in a slip and fall accident resulted in your inability to return to work and as a consequence, you suffer economic loss.
Slip and fall settlements in Adelaide typically range from several thousand dollars up to several hundred thousand dollars; the exact figure will depend upon your individual case circumstances.
Factors which could determine the size of a settlement include:
- Injury severity: The more serious your injuries, the larger your settlement amount may be.
- Medical expenses incurred as a result of injury: Any significant medical bills as a result of injuries could also increase its value and lead to a larger payout amount from insurers.
- Loss of Income: If injuries have prevented you from working, and that income has since been lost to them, compensation could be awarded as part of any settlement package. This could increase the size of any award.
- Pain and Suffering: You could be entitled to compensation for the emotional trauma you have endured as a result of your injuries, which could increase the total settlement amount.
Sometimes property owners or their insurance companies offer low settlement amounts as an attempt to quickly settle claims without going to court. Remember, however, that you’re under no obligation to accept these offers; consult your personal injury lawyer, preferably from Gajic Lawyers first before accepting them in order to assess if the offer is fair and provides adequate compensation for injuries and related expenses.
What Is the Legal Process for Slip and Fall Compensation Claims
In Adelaide, South Australia the legal process for seeking compensation following a slip and fall typically follows these steps:
Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer: If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, the first step should be consulting with a personal injury lawyers in Adelaide. He or she can assess the details of your case, explain your legal options, and help assess if there is a valid compensation claim that can be pursued against those responsible.
Once engaged with a personal injury lawyer, they will investigate your accident to collect evidence to support your claim. This may involve gathering witness statements, reviewing CCTV footage and medical records from medical providers as well as inspecting the accident scene itself.
Letter of Demand: Once investigation has concluded, your personal injury lawyer may send a formal demand letter to the owner or occupier of the property in which your injury has taken place outlining all aspects of your claim and any necessary compensation that you seek. This document should clearly state all details concerning your case as well as the compensation amount desired by you.
Negotiations: Once your letter of demand has been delivered to a property owner or insurance provider, they will usually make an offer in response. Your personal injury lawyer will negotiate on your behalf with them to reach an equitable settlement that covers your injuries and related expenses.
Settlement: Should a settlement be reached, you will receive a lump sum payment from either the property owner or their insurer. The exact amount depends on the strength of your case, severity of injuries sustained and their effects on daily life.
Court Proceedings: If no settlement can be reached, your personal injury lawyer may initiate court proceedings on your behalf.
Conclusion
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, leading to significant medical bills and other associated expenses. If you were involved in one in Adelaide, you could be entitled to compensation for both your injuries as well as related costs.
To successfully make a slip and fall claim, it is necessary to demonstrate the property owner or occupier was negligent and that their negligence resulted in your injuries.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Adelaide, it is imperative that you seek legal advice immediately from an experienced Adelaide personal injury lawyer. At Gajic Lawyers, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation and a free, case assessment.
