Maison Law answers questions when people are hurt in slip-and-fall accidents at Target in California. Even if you get a settlement after you file a claim, you might be wondering about tax implications and whether you need to report it to the IRS. Our team can answer these questions and help you through the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do I Have to Report My Settlement to the IRS?
Getting a settlement after a slip-and-fall at a Target is pretty important. Not only does it give you a much-needed financial boost, but it also serves as a way to hold Target (and anyone else) accountable for creating an unsafe environment. But in real terms, it means that you’ve been given a hopefully sizable amount of money–which usually carries tax implications. So, do you need to report to the IRS? The answer depends on what is included in the settlement, like:
- Medical expenses and injuries – If your settlement is for medical bills, pain and suffering, or emotional distress related to your injuries, you don’t have to report it because it’s not considered taxable income.
- Lost income – If part of your settlement includes lost income due to missed work, you do need to report that portion since it’s considered taxable income.
- Punitive damages – If your settlement includes extra payments like punitive damages or interest, those are taxable and must be reported.
While we’re here to help you secure the best settlement possible, it’s always a good idea to also talk with a tax professional to make sure you’re following IRS guidelines and avoiding any penalties.
What Is Included in a Slip-and-Fall Settlement Against Target?
Legally, every slip-and-fall claim follows the same process. If you slip and fall at Target due to unsafe conditions–like a wet floor, poor lighting, or cluttered aisles–Target may be responsible for your injuries. Once liability is established, you can file a claim to recover financial support. You can do this by either:
- Filing an insurance claim with Target’s liability insurance carrier
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Your settlement will cover the “damages” relating to the accident, whether it’s through an out-of-court settlement or a court verdict. These damages may include:
- Medical expenses for your hospital bills, physical therapy, medication
- Lost wages if you missed work due to your injuries
- Future lost income if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering for your physical pain caused by the fall
- Emotional distress for any resulting anxiety, PTSD, or emotional trauma
- Reduced quality of life if your injuries limit daily activities
- Punitive damages if Target acted with extreme or intentional negligence
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to file a claim at all–let alone get a settlement. But it’s also important to understand what you can do to get the most out of your claim.
How Can You Strengthen a Slip-and-Fall Claim Against Target?
Just because you have the right to file a claim after a slip-and-fall accident at Target doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get a fair settlement. You need to prove how the accident happened, how Target was responsible, and how your injuries have impacted you. Taking the right steps immediately after the fall can make your case much stronger:
- Get medical attention – Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor. Some injuries take time to appear, and having medical records strengthens your claim.
- Report the fall to Target staff – Tell an employee or manager what happened and request an official incident report. Make sure to ask for a copy.
- Gather evidence – Take photos or videos of the scene, including the hazard that caused your fall, your injuries, and anything else that could help prove negligence (like a missing “wet floor” sign).
- Get witness statements – If anyone saw your fall, ask for their contact information. Their testimony could help back up your claim.
- Keep track of all expenses – Save medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket costs, and records of missed work. These prove the financial impact of your injury.
- Be careful with statements – Avoid discussing the incident in detail with Target’s representatives or posting about it on social media. Any statement you make could be used to downplay your claim.
If your injuries were serious, it might not be possible to do all of this on your own. But even taking a few of these steps can make a huge difference in getting the damages you’re going to need. Aside from that, our team will be there to guide and support you.
How Can Maison Law Help After a Slip-and-Fall at Target?
After a slip-and-fall accident, it’s important to take the right steps—not just for your health but also for your legal claim. If your injuries are serious, having a lawyer’s help can make all the difference. Our team at Maison Law can help by:
- Explaining your legal options so you know what to expect
- Collecting strong evidence to prove Target’s liability
- Handling negotiations with Target’s insurance to get you a fair offer
- Filing a lawsuit if Target refuses to settle fairly
Dealing with a large corporation like Target can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.
