When you are negotiating an injury claim with a major retailer, it’s essential to consider all the relevant factors that can maximize your payment. Most people think about their immediate needs, like the cost of treating their injuries. But you are entitled to much more than medical expenses if you were harmed at a Walmart due to the store’s negligence.
Our lawyers are here to guide you if you need information on how to increase the value of an injury case against Walmart. We can also help if you are wondering about how to get the most amount of money from Target for an injury on their property. For a free consultation with the experts of Normandie, simply give us a call at our office.
How do Insurance Companies Determine a Case Value?
When you have been injured on the premises of a store, you must file an accident report with someone in charge – ideally, a manager – who will fill out an accident report and provide you with a copy for your own records. The report is submitted to the store’s insurance company, and they are the ones who will reach out to you for more information, and eventually, a settlement offer.
These companies are not in the business of offering you the payment you deserve. In most cases, an insurance adjuster will use a computer program to come up with a basic estimate for your claim. The problem here is that these estimates are specifically lowballed in order to save them as much money as possible. That’s why you should never accept the first offer from an insurance adjuster. In addition, make sure to consult an experienced premises liability lawyer to learn about your rights and legal options.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$2.5 Million
$1.1 Million
$1.5 Million
$600,000
$525,000
$734,851
Factors that Affect the Value of your Case
When you are seeking damages for a slip and fall, trip and fall, or any other type of accident at a Walmart location, there are many factors you must consider:
- How severe are your injuries?
- Will you have long-term complications that require future medical care?
- Will you have a permanent disability that affects your ability to work and/or perform basic tasks?
- What is your level of psychological trauma?
- What is the percentage of negligence by Walmart / Target?
- Did you contribute to the accident in any way?
- Did you suffer any property damage from the accident?
These are just the basic questions we go over when we meet with a client. You can be certain that these issues will not be in the minds of an insurance adjuster, which is why their offers are way below what you are entitled to. Our lawyers will fight for your rights and ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries.
How to Maximize your Settlement from Walmart
To maximize your settlement for a Walmart or Target accident injury case, it’s essential to discuss the details of your accident with a knowledgeable attorney. A lawyer, by the way, can do much more than help you calculate a fair amount of funds. Our lawyers, for example, have many years of negotiating settlements with big box stores such as Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Sam’s Club. This process can be quite challenging, as insurance companies are skilled in getting people to settle for less. We can protect you against these tactics and make sure you receive maximum payment for the store’s negligence.
Preserve Your Evidence
Evidence is a key component to increasing the value of your settlement, so it’s important to collect anything that can support your claim for compensation. Forms of evidence that can help you include:
- Photos or video footage of the accident scene (especially video from surveillance cameras).
- A copy of your accident report with the store and/or a police report.
- Medical records, including hospital bills, X-rays, prescriptions, etc.
- All written communications between you and any of the involved parties, such as witnesses, insurance adjusters, and representatives from Walmart.
- Bills and estimates for damage to your personal belongings.
This is a non-exhaustive list, and we can’t say for sure what kinds of evidence will available for your own accident. But evidence gets harder to obtain as time goes on, so please reach out to one of our attorneys right away. You should also rely on your attorney to communicate with the insurance company and store representatives. It’s easy to say the wrong thing or say too much when you are physically and emotionally vulnerable after an accident. By having an attorney, you increase the chance of building a strong case and receiving a fair amount of compensation.
Average Case Value for a Walmart Injury Claim
The value of a Walmart injury claim is based on many factors, including the type of accident you had. For example, compensation for a slip and fall case can be significant – around $150,000 to $500,000 if you have moderate to serious injuries. Predictably, values are higher if you suffered lifelong injury, such as nerve damage and paralysis. Because these health conditions take away your ability to work and engage in daily activities, settlements for these claims usually exceed $1 million.
Of course, this is just one example, and your personal circumstances will dictate the amount of losses you can request. Keep in mind that you have think ahead and look long into the future to increase the value of your injury case. Your future doctor’s appointments, medical treatments, therapy sessions, income that you could have earned up until retirement, are all contributing factors to your settlement award.
How long does it take to Settle one of these Cases?
There’s really no average timeline that we can provide with these cases, though it’s always our goal to bring you your payment within 6 months of filing your claim. Some of our cases have settled in just 30 days, while others have taken 12 to 18 months. The longest cases are ones that proceed to a lawsuit, which will likely require help from a mediator in order to settle. If the other side is unwilling to play fair during the mediation process, it could take up to several years to recover your damages through a jury verdict.
Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Lawsuit
You generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against Walmart. This time period is known as the statute of limitations, and most types of injuries fall within the two-year window. Some lawsuits, like sexual assault, have a 10 year SOL or even longer in the case of child sexual assault. We can verify the amount of time you have to take legal action, so please contact us right away. Be aware that if you miss the SOL for your case, it’s unlikely that the courts will give you extra time to file a lawsuit.
Are you in need of a Second Opinion?
A second opinion isn’t just for medical needs; it can also clarify issues in your lawsuit and help you understand your legal options. While it’s not always the case, many people come to us because it’s taking too long to settle their case. They may also want to verify what their lawyer is telling them, which is completely within their right. You also have the right to change your lawyer if you’re unhappy with the services you are currently receiving. No matter the problem, we will happy to listen and give you our honest assessment during a free consultation.
Free Case Review from the Lawyers of Normandie
It’s easy for accident victims to feel isolated in their struggle to recover from their injuries. Please know that you are not alone in your fight for justice. A lawyer experienced in retail liability claims is here to bring you the settlement you are owed from Walmart, Target, or any major retailer in the state of California.
We offer a Zero fee guarantee, so there is no need to stress about the cost of legal representation. We cover all the costs associated with your case, from investigating your accident and negotiating the value of your injury claim. If necessary, we will take your case to trial and fight for the full value of your damages without charging you a cent. Our expenses are paid at the end of your case by the party you are suing, so if you don’t get paid, neither do we.
To learn more about the ways to increase the value of your injury case, contact our law firm and schedule a free case review.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
How do I Request a Copy of an Incident Report from Walmart
How Long Does It Take to Settle an Injury Case Against Walmart?
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