If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property, you might be wondering how long it would take to recover financial compensation from the property owner. That’s perfectly understandable since the money from a settlement could cover your medical bills, lost income, and other expenses caused by the accident. And it’s natural to want your settlement fast.
Unfortunately, there’s no set timeline for how long a slip-and-fall accident claim will take because these cases vary significantly. That said, the best way to pursue the money you need after a slip-and-fall accident in British Columbia is to get help from a skilled, knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.
The Vancouver slip-and-fall accident lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP will work efficiently and effectively to demand the full payment you deserve. We have more than a decade of experience litigating occupiers’ liability claims and have a strong track record of results. Contact our Vancouver office today for a free initial consultation.
Vancouver Slip-and-Fall Settlement Timeline
The exact timeline of your case will depend on the extent of your injuries, the time necessary to investigate your case, and other factors. With this in mind, here’s an overview of how the slip-and-fall settlement process usually works:
- Immediately after the accident – You should get medical treatment as soon as possible after a slip-and-fall accident. But it’s also important to document the incident. Have the property owner make a written report. Take pictures of the accident scene, and get the names and contact information of anyone who may have seen what happened.
- Investigating the accident – Your lawyer and an insurance adjuster will both investigate what happened. It’s important to know that insurance companies, like any business, don’t want to spend money if they don’t have to. That’s why they try to pay as little as possible to claimants. The adjuster will look for any evidence that could shift responsibility for the accident from the property owner to you. For this reason, it’s critical to let your lawyer handle all communication with the property owner and insurance company during the investigation process.
- Filing a claim – Once your lawyer is ready to prove fault and demonstrate the extent of your injuries, you can file a claim against the property owner. This must be done within two years of your injury to avoid running afoul of British Columbia’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims.
- Settlement negotiations – After the insurance adjuster and your lawyer conclude their investigations and a claim is filed, settlement negotiations can begin. The two sides will try to reach an agreement that satisfies both of them and compensates for the cost of your injuries. The more evidence that supports your case and documents your expenses, the more you can recover in compensation, and the faster negotiations will be. Eventually, the insurance company will likely make a settlement offer.
At this point, there are two ways an accident claim can end. They are:
- Accepting a settlement – If you receive a settlement offer that compensates for your injuries, you could sign the settlement agreement, and the insurance company would cut you a check. It may take some time for the check to go through the mail system and reach your lawyer.
- Going to trial – If the insurance company fails to make an offer that your lawyer advises you is reasonable, it might be necessary to bring your case to trial. Trials are complicated and time-consuming, but we’re always prepared to litigate if necessary. That’s why it pays to choose an experienced firm.
All told, this process can take, at minimum, several weeks and may take months. If you have catastrophic injuries and sustained severe economic losses, fully documenting and substantiating all the harm you’ve suffered could take longer.
If the property owner or its insurance company won’t negotiate in good faith, negotiations could drag on. Finally, going to trial greatly increases the amount of time before you see any money from a settlement. That’s why your lawyer will confer with you at every step to decide whether settling or continuing to pursue the maximum possible compensation is best.
How Much Is My Slip-and-Fall Case Worth?
Every slip-and-fall accident case is different. Your compensation will depend on the extent of the harm you’ve suffered and the evidence available to support your claim. Slip-and-fall accident settlements can be substantial, including compensation for:
- Your fall-related medical bills
- Your future treatment and care needs
- Your lost income
- Your diminished capacity to earn a living
- The physical pain from your injuries
- Your diminished quality of life due to your injuries
Slip and Fall Q&A
Here are answers to a few of the most common questions we receive about slip-and-fall accidents in British Columbia:
- How much should I expect from a slip-and-fall settlement? Every slip-and-fall case is unique. The amount you could receive in a settlement depends on the extent of your injuries, the evidence that supports your case, the quality of your lawyer, and other factors.
- How long does a slip-and-fall claim take? They take a minimum of a few weeks, possibly months or years. It depends on the evidence you have to support your claim, whether the insurance company agrees to settle, and whether your case goes to trial.
- How long until I get my settlement check? You can’t receive a settlement check until you sign a settlement agreement or a trial concludes in your favor. This may be weeks, months, or years after you file your initial claim.
- How long after a fall can I make a claim? Per British Columbia’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim.
Contact a British Columbia Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Today
With so much at stake after a slip-and-fall accident in Vancouver, it’s vital to choose an experienced lawyer to represent you. Contact Warnett Hallen LLP today for a free initial consultation.
