Maison Law helps people who have been injured in slip-and-fall accidents at Target in California. Of all the different injuries, the one that typically causes the most problems and brings up the most questions is a head injury. If you’ve suffered a head injury in one of these accidents and want to know more about the claims process and what you can get, contact us today for a free consultation.
How Much Should I Ask For After Getting a Head Injury in a Slip-and-Fall at Target?
When you slip-and-fall at Target, there’s always a risk of striking your head on the floor, shelves, or other objects. Not surprisingly, this leads to a rash of different injuries, including:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Skull fractures
Every head injury is different, but they all require extensive medical care, ongoing treatment, and adjustments to how you live your life. So, if you’re considering filing a claim, the amount you should ask for depends on a number of different things like:
- How serious your injury is – Minor concussions usually lead to smaller settlements, while severe brain injuries with lasting effects can significantly increase your claim’s value.
- Medical bills – The cost of treatment matters. ER visits, scans, hospital stays, rehab, and ongoing care all add up–and the more treatment you need, the more you should ask for–and you’ll be able to potentially recover.
- Missed work – If your injury keeps you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you should include lost wages and any reduced earning ability in your claim.
- Pain and emotional trauma – The physical and emotional fallout with a head injury is also pretty serious. According to the Mayo Clinic, it means symptoms like chronic headaches, dizziness, mood swings, and emotional distress. The more your daily life is impacted, the more you should ask for.
- Long-term effects – More so than any other injury, a head injury can totally change your life. If your head injury impacts how you think, work, or live, your claim should reflect that.
Generally speaking, the more serious the impact, the more you should ask for after a head injury. Our team can help calculate the full value of your claim, but you’re also going to have to take certain steps to build your case.
What Can I Do to Build My Case For Damages?
Getting injured in a slip-and-fall at Target doesn’t automatically mean you’ll receive financial support. You need solid proof of what happened and how serious your injury is. Taking the right steps immediately can make a big difference in your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the accident – Tell a Target employee or manager about your fall and make sure they file an incident report. Ask for a copy–this will be key evidence for your claim.
- Get medical help – Head injuries can be serious, even if you don’t feel symptoms at first. Call for medical help and let paramedics check you. Even if you seem fine, see a doctor–concussions and head injuries can worsen over time.
- Gather proof – Take photos and videos of where you fell, including any hazards like wet floors or poor lighting. Also, document any visible injuries as soon as possible.
- Get witness information – If anyone saw your fall, ask for their name and number. Witnesses can help confirm that Target’s negligence caused your injury.
- Save medical and financial records – Keep track of all doctor’s visits, hospital bills, prescriptions, and therapy costs. If your head injury keeps you from working, document any lost income.
- Be careful with statements – Don’t give a recorded statement to Target’s insurance company without legal advice. Stick to the facts, and avoid discussing your injury on social media–insurers can use anything you say against you.
These steps help build a strong case, but actually getting the financial support that’s available to you requires going through the claims process.
How Do I Get My Damages After a Slip-and-Fall at Target?
Even though you have the right to file an injury claim after a slip-and-fall at Target, the process isn’t always simple–especially with a head injury and its challenges. Still, to actually get your damages, you generally have two options:
- Filing an insurance claim – This involves submitting a claim with Target’s liability insurance outside of court. An adjuster will investigate the accident and offer a settlement. This is usually the fastest and least expensive route, but insurers often try to settle for less than you deserve. Their offer may not cover all your medical bills, lost wages, or the long-term effects of a head injury.
- Filing a lawsuit – If the insurance settlement is too low, you can file a lawsuit against Target. Lawsuits take longer but often result in higher payouts—especially if your injury is severe and Target was clearly at fault. In court, a judge or jury will review the evidence and determine a fair amount.
Our team of slip-and-fall accident lawyers will handle every part of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating or taking your case to trial. The goal is to get you the financial support California law allows, including coverage for medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. The stronger your case, the more you can recover. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
