There is no timeline for when you can expect to get paid from your slip and fall claim in Los Angeles. Every case is different and progresses at a different rate. Some cases are resolved quickly, while complications can make others drag on. Even after the case has been settled, you might still have to wait to receive payment.
Specific variables can change how long it takes to resolve your case. The method used to resolve your lawsuit plays a major role in how long you must wait. Who you sue also makes a big difference since a large company might be able to collect and pay the right amount sooner. Regardless, your lawsuit will take some time. Based on those variables, you might be able to estimate or influence when your case will end.
Determining Factors
Every case begins at a different time. Depending on when that is, your case will take longer to end. If you do not start your case soon enough, the statute of limitations will expire. If this happens, your case could be dropped on arrival. Waiting a long time to start your case also makes it harder for your lawyer to find evidence that is needed for the trial.
Another influencing factor is how your case is resolved. Every case is scheduled to go to trial, which takes a long time since the court system is overflowing with cases. The opposing party might offer you a settlement agreement, which can end your case before you go to trial. This commonly happens and is one of the biggest factors in determining how long it will take to resolve your case. Strong cases are usually resolved quickly as it is clear who would win in a trial. Rather than waiting and taking their chances, the other party will likely try to settle out of court.
Determining Liability
In senior care, falls have become one of the leading problems for seniors. According to Medical Care, more than 2 million senior injuries happen every year and are related to falls. With this in mind, many victims sue their caregivers for creating an environment that is not safe for them to be in.
Several entities can be liable. Individual caregivers can be held liable if they are negligent in their care. Understaffed facilities that create an environment where providing effective care is not possible can also be held liable. Many times, a facility is sued because it is unsafe to be in. Its floors are not well-maintained, areas are not kept clean and accessible, and cleaning services are not provided to remove hazards from walkways. Whatever the reason, the facility can face a lawsuit if it does not take appropriate action to protect its residents or visitors.
Understanding Your Rights
Under civil law, you have the right to file a lawsuit against anyone who causes you harm provided it results in related expenses. Your lawsuit’s goal is to collect financial compensation from the liable parties that can help you with these expenses. Many victims end up in significant medical debt and debt from other financial issues that their accidents cause. They do not have to suffer through these problems alone since they can seek to hold the other party liable for the damage to their finances.
Not every case qualifies for a lawsuit. To see if your case is viable, discuss it with a Los Angeles slip and fall accident lawyer to see what your legal options are. There might be other ways of resolving your case without taking legal action.
Filing a Lawsuit
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, and you can prove that they demonstrated negligence that led to your injuries, you could file a lawsuit against them. However, there may be several steps you want to do before that. Right after the accident, you should contact the police so that they can investigate. Their investigation could be helpful to your case later.
You could reach out to the person responsible for the property, whether it be the property owner or someone who rents the property, to give them the chance to address the incidence before you take legal action. This can lead to a quick resolution without the need for an extensive legal process. Your lawyer can help you with this part of the process and facilitate negotiation with the property owner.
Contact a Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
You can expect to get paid for your slip and fall claim in Los Angeles in a reasonable amount of time after your lawsuit has concluded. It all depends on how your case ends and the specifics of your case. If you have not filed your lawsuit yet, consider doing so right away. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit.
Do not miss your opportunity to collect compensation for your expenses. Call the offices of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 223-5115 for a free consultation.