How Long Does It Take to Settle a Slip & Fall Case in Austin?

If you slipped or tripped on someone else’s property and sustained injuries because of the dangerous conditions that caused your fall, then you could have a strong slip & fall case. In Austin, Texas, a slip & fall injury might occur on private property, but commercial property is even more likely—whether it’s a bustling restaurant with a wet floor from a leak or a retail business undergoing construction that results in an unmarked hazard.

Many victims understandably wonder, “How long does it take to settle a slip & fall case?” Although a lawyer can ensure that your case moves as smoothly as possible, the answer to this question still varies according to your specific case details. In general, a slip & fall case can settle within months, but some cases take several years.

Learning more about the basic stages of a slip & fall case and what causes delays can help you understand the settlement timeline. The experienced Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw are here to answer your questions at every stage of the process.

You should seek medical attention immediately after your injury. Then, an attorney can help you build a strong case through the following stages:

• Investigating to determine whether you have a valid case
• Filing a complaint by gathering all the necessary information to submit your claim and then awaiting a response
• Issuing a demand letter stating what you’re seeking to resolve the case, which might require negotiations
• Preparing the case (also known as the discovery phase) to collect and organize all the necessary evidence
• Negotiating a settlement to resolve the issue out of court

Each of these stages takes time but must be completed thoroughly to achieve the best outcome. The discovery phase and settlement negotiation are the longest stages, each typically requiring several months.

It’s unlikely that your slip & fall case goes to trial. In 2005, for instance, the U.S. Department of Justice reported that only 3.5 percent of all personal injury cases were resolved in court.

However, a case is more likely to go to trial if the parties aren’t eager to settle, possibly because the settlement offer is unsatisfying. A trial is also more likely if there’s shared fault for injuries, making who’s liable for damages less clear.

Going to trial can extend your case by months or even years. An Austin personal injury lawyer can negotiate the most favorable pre-trial settlement for your case and helps you understand the pros and cons of going to trial.

Apart from a trial, other factors might delay your settlement:

• How long it takes insurance companies to respond to claims
• Significant disagreements about the facts of the case
• Amount of compensation you’re seeking
• Amount of evidence required
• Severity of injuries and whether you need ongoing care

Your own desires in negotiations also affect how long a settlement takes, but that doesn’t mean you should compromise. Your lawyer is your guide through the complicated process of a slip & fall case, helping you make decisions each step of the way.

The Austin attorneys at Carabin Shaw are familiar with slip & fall cases and how to smoothly resolve them. Our team knows how much compensation is fair, as well as when and how to fight for more.

Connect with Carabin Shaw’s English- and Spanish-speaking staff 24/7 by calling the toll-free number 800-862-1260. We offer a free case review and initial consultation for your slip & fall injuries. You can learn more about the impact our services have had on people’s lives by reading Carabin Shaw’s client reviews. We look forward to offering you the same support.