We often think of slip and falls happening in stores and other commercial properties, but public transportation vehicles are another source of injuries from fall-related accidents. Buses are especially prone to hazards that can cause someone to fall down. This can happen from dangerous conditions on the floor, like slippery substances and puddles of water. People can also trip over debris in the aisles or on the steps.
Bus driver negligence is another reason why people can end up with trip and fall or slip and fall injuries. A bus driver who is not paying attention may stop the bus unexpectedly, causing people to fall down and hurt themselves, even if they are holding onto a handrail. Bus drivers that are in a rush may refuse to pull closer to the curb or lower the bus and make it safer for passengers to enter or exit the vehicle. This can also lead to accidents where someone is injured from a slip and fall.
If you are the victim of a bus slip and fall accident, it’s essential to obtain legal advice from an experienced fall accident injury attorney. The slip and fall lawsuit experts of DTLA are ready to answer your questions, including “What is the settlement estimate value of a bus slip and fall accident claim?”
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$2.5 Million
$1.1 Million
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$600,000
$525,000
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Factors that Play a Role in Slip and Fall Case Values
Coming up with a fair compensation amount for an accident victim is a challenging process, and there is no universal value that applies to slip and fall injury claims in general. Each case is unique with its own set of factors, which include, but are not limited to:
- The level of injury – the severity of the initial injury and any long-term effects, including permanent disability
- The number of individuals / entities that are liable for the accident
- The total sum of monetary damages you are entitled to, which is based on the physical and emotional impact of your accident
- If gross negligence was involved, meaning the defendant’s conduct was exceptionally careless or reckless.
For a deeper understanding of these issues, along with other elements that will determine what your lawsuit is worth, contact us to schedule a free case review.
Injuries from a Bus Slip and Fall Incident
Despite the various factors we covered in the previous section, your injuries are the most important factor when it comes to how much you can receive from a bus injury accident claim. This is due to the fact that your injuries directly impact your monetary losses, particularly your medical expenses and lost wages. In addition, you may be entitled to pain and suffering and other non-economic damages, which are also based on the extent of your injuries. Here are some examples of injuries you can sustain from a slip and fall or trip and fall accident on a bus:
- Wrist and ankle sprains
- Deep lacerations
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Chipped or missing teeth
- Hip fracture
- Neck and spinal cord injury
- Dislocated joints
- Permanent nerve damage (loss of function)
- Chronic pain
What is the Average Case Value of a Bus Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
At the end of the day, there’s no way to say what the average slip and fall claim against a bus company is worth. But there’s no denying that accidents involving large, commercial-use vehicles like buses can lead to serious injuries. Most victims end up with multiple injuries, not to mention lifelong psychological damage from the pain and trauma associated with the accident.
The majority of settlements at our law firm fall between the range of $125,000 and $2,500,000. Some clients receive around $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 due to lifelong conditions like brain damage and paralysis. Of course, not everyone has such serious injuries, and it’s possible that the value of your case may be lower than the amounts we’ve stated in this article. To get an accurate sense of what you are likely to receive from a bus slip and fall lawsuit, please take some time to speak with one of our attorneys.
How Long Do Slip and Fall Claims Take to Settle?
Reaching a settlement for a slip and fall claim can take just a few weeks in some cases, though it’s more than likely that the process will take at least a few months. Much of this is due to the fact that slip and falls on buses are typically associated with serious injuries. The same can be said for trip and fall accidents on buses, where people can end up with brain injury, loss of function, and other serious health complications. In addition, many of the clients we represent have fallen down on public transportation buses, as opposed to buses that are owned by private companies. These lawsuits are exceptionally complicated, and most of these cases take one to two years on average.
We can provide you with a more detailed explanation on how long it will take to settle your case during a free, private consultation.
Deadline to Sue for a Slip and Fall / Trip and Fall Accident on a Bus
The deadline for a bus accident injury claim is two years if you are suing a private bus company. Generally, you have 2 years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Depending on your circumstances, the courts may allow you additional time to take legal action. However, exceptions are rarely granted by the court, so you should assume that your deadline to sue a bus company is 2 years from the incident date.
The statute of limitations is different if you were injured on a public bus. For example, LA Metro buses are operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This is a government agency that’s under the jurisdiction of the State of California. That means you will need to file a compensation claim against the government, which has a 6-month statute of limitations. This is a very tight deadline, so we highly recommend that you seek help from an experienced government claims lawsuit attorney. If it turns out that your claim is denied by LA Metro, a lawyer can also help you file a lawsuit and fight for the payment you deserve.
California Lawyers with Experience in Fall Accident Injury Claims
An unexpected injury from a slip and fall or trip fall can result in financial hardship, lifelong injuries, and other devastating consequences. This is why we are tireless in the fight for justice when we take on a bus accident injury claim against LA Metro or any other entity.
Our goal is to bring you maximum payment for your injuries while ensuring that there is no risk to your finances. From day one, you are protected by the Zero Fee Guarantee, so you pay nothing upfront if you hire us. We charge the defendant for the cost of representing you, and the only way we get paid is by winning your case. With that in mind, there’s nothing to stop you from contacting us and scheduling a free case evaluation. In the event you have an active claim for a slip and fall accident, we are happy to provide you with a free second opinion.
Our slip and fall attorneys are waiting to speak with you, so don’t hesitate to call us if you fell down and injured yourself due to negligence by a bus driver or bus company.
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