Maison Law helps people through the claims process when they’re hurt in slip-and-fall accidents at a Target in California. Any injury brings questions, and a wrist injury is no exception. Our team can guide you through the process and understand your options–and how much you can ask for in financial support. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Much Should I Ask For After Getting a Wrist Injury in a Slip-and-Fall at Target?
A wrist injury might not be the first thing you think about in a slip-and-fall, but it can be just as damaging as a lower body injury. When you slip, you’re going to reflexively put out your hands to break your fall, which naturally puts a great deal of pressure on your wrists. This causes all different kinds of specific injuries, but usually means long bouts of medical care, surgeries, recovery, and other changes to your life. Taken together, this is what makes up your “damages” when you decide to file a claim. But how much should you ask for? The answer depends on the following factors:
- Your particular injury – A minor sprain might only require a few doctor visits, but a fracture, torn ligament, or nerve damage could mean surgery, physical therapy, and long-term treatment. The more serious your injury, the more you should ask for medical costs, pain, and long-term care.
- Impact on your day-to-day life – If your wrist injury limits your ability to do daily tasks–like driving, cooking, or even using a phone–you can recover costs associated with this reduced quality of life. The more your injury impacts your independence, the more you’ll need in financial support.
- Missed work – If your wrist injury forces you to miss work, you can ask for lost wages. If you work with your hands–like in retail, construction, or office jobs–your inability to perform tasks could lead to months of lost income.
- Liability – The stronger the evidence that Target was at fault, the more leverage you have in your claim. If it’s clear that Target’s negligence (like a wet floor or broken tile) caused your fall, you can push for maximum compensation.
A wrist injury can impact every part of your life, and you should demand compensation that fully covers your losses. But that can be hard to do, and what’s more, the claims process can take a while.
How Do You Recover Compensation For Your Wrist Injury?
In legal terms, your losses that come up because of your wrist injury after you’re in a slip-and-fall accident at Target are called “damages.” The law makes these damages available to you in the claims process, where you file either:
- An insurance claim
- A lawsuit
At this point, though, it’s important to think about who you have to file against. This means determining “liability” for the accident, and to do that, you have to show negligence. Negligence just means that someone (or group):
- Failed to take the necessary steps to keep you and others safe.
In most slip-and-fall claims, this liability is largely going to fall on Target, its management, and employees, since they have the overriding legal duty to keep you safe by fixing issues or warning you of potential hazards. That said, product makers, other shoppers, and even the local government can share responsibility for your damages. It all comes down to the circumstances, but your damages can include things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income or loss of earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property, like your clothes, shoes, or phone
- Costs for your physical pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Costs for any reduced quality of life you experience
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to get damages at all. Acting quickly can help you build a stronger case, so it’s important to get started as soon as possible.
How Can I Maximize My Wrist Injury Claim After a Slip-and-Fall at Target?
A slip-and-fall accident at Target can lead to a serious wrist injury that affects your ability to perform everyday tasks. Even a minor injury can cause lasting disruption to your life. But just having the right to file a claim doesn’t mean you automatically get damages. You have to put together a strong claim. Here’s how you can do that:
- Tell a Target employee what happened and ask for a copy of the incident report.
- See a doctor to prevent your injury from getting worse.
- Take pictures of the hazard, your injury, and the spot where you fell.
- Get contact details from anyone who saw the accident happen.
- Hold on to any items that were damaged, like jewelry or gloves, as evidence.
- Take pictures of your hand healing and write down how the injury affects your daily life.
- Don’t accept quick settlements or make detailed statements without talking to our lawyers first.
By following these steps, you protect your health and strengthen your claim, making it harder for Target to avoid responsibility. But they’ll still try, and that’s where our experienced team at Maison Law can step in and guide you. We have a proven track record of handling these types of claims, making sure you get a fair settlement that covers everything you need. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
