March 19, 2025

Average Target Slip & Fall Settlement Amounts in California

Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA

Short answer: Slip and fall settlements at Target can generally range from approximately $5,000-$25,000 for minor injuries, ~$25,000-$100,000 for moderate injuries, and ~$100,000+ for severe injuries, though actual amounts depend heavily on specific circumstances.

4 Amounts You Can Sue for a Slip and Fall in a California Target

Injury Severity	Settlement Amount	Example Injuries
Minor	Approximately: $5,000 – $25,000	Bruises and contusions, sprains and strains, minor cuts and abrasions, soft tissue injuries with full recovery, temporary pain lasting days to weeks
Moderate	Approximately: $25,000 – $100,000	Non-surgical fractures, moderate back or neck injuries, torn ligaments or tendons, injuries requiring physical therapy, mild concussions, recovery period of months
Severe	Approximately: $100,000 – $250,000+	Multiple serious fractures, spinal injuries with nerve damage, severe traumatic brain injuries, injuries requiring multiple surgeries, permanent mobility limitations, long-term or permanent disability
Catastrophic	Approximately: $250,000 – $1,000,000+	Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis, traumatic brain injuries with cognitive impairment, injuries requiring lifelong care, Amputations, injuries resulting in permanent total disability

*Please note, the figures presented in this chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

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Target Slip and Fall Settlement Examples

Below are fictitious examples of Target slip and fall settlements. The figures presented are approximations based on typical case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee.

Successful Claim: James’s Case

The Incident

James, a 57-year-old accountant, was shopping at Target in the household cleaning aisle. He slipped on a pool of spilled detergent that had leaked from a damaged bottle and fell hard onto his back and left side.

Injuries Sustained

• Herniated disc requiring surgical intervention
• Fractured wrist requiring casting and physical therapy
• Persistent nerve pain in lower back and leg
• Total medical expenses: $92,000
• Six months of physical therapy and pain management
• Inability to work for four months

Supporting Evidence

• Security footage showed the spill occurred 45 minutes before James’s fall
• Store logs indicated the scheduled floor check for that area was missed
• Two witnesses confirmed no warning signs were present near the spill
• An employee statement revealed they noticed the spill earlier but were called away before cleaning it
• Photos taken immediately after the fall clearly showed the substantial liquid spill and absence of warning signs
• James was wearing appropriate closed-toe shoes

Claim Outcome

After initial settlement negotiations failed, James filed a lawsuit. The case settled before trial for $375,000, covering:

1. All medical expenses, past and projected future care
2. Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
3. Compensation for pain and suffering
4. Costs for household assistance during recovery

The substantial settlement was based on clear store negligence, documented safety protocol violations, serious nature of James’s injuries, and minimal comparative fault.

Unsuccessful Claim: Elena’s Case

The Incident

Elena, a 34-year-old marketing executive, was shopping at Target during a busy holiday weekend. While walking through the electronics department, she tripped and fell, landing on her hands and knees.

Injuries Claimed

• Bruised knees and palms
• Wrist sprain
• Neck strain
• Total medical expenses: $3,200

Evidence Issues

• Store security footage showed Elena looking at her phone while walking
• The object she tripped on was a shopping basket that another customer had placed on the floor only seconds before
• Target’s maintenance logs showed regular floor checks throughout the day
• Elena was wearing high-heeled boots at the time of the incident
• Video showed several other customers safely navigating the same area before and after her fall

Claim Outcome

Target’s insurance company denied Elena’s claim, citing:

1. Elena’s comparative negligence (distracted walking)
2. The hazard was created by another customer just moments before the incident, giving Target no reasonable opportunity to discover and address it
3. Target’s proper safety protocols were followed (regular inspections documented)
4. Minor nature of injuries with quick recovery

Elena consulted with two personal injury attorneys, both of whom declined to take her case due to the unfavorable evidence and limited damages.

Factors that Affect Target Slip and Fall Settlement Value the Most

• Severity and permanence of injuries – More serious injuries with long-term impacts command higher settlements
• Medical expenses – Both current and projected future costs directly influence settlement amounts
• Lost income and earning capacity – Compensation increases with longer work absences and career impacts
• Evidence of Target’s negligence – Clear documentation of safety violations substantially strengthens claims
• Comparative negligence – Customer’s own contribution to the accident (distracted walking, inappropriate footwear) reduces settlement value
• Pre-existing conditions – Prior injuries to the same body parts can complicate claims and lower settlements
• Incident documentation – Quality of evidence (security footage, photos, witness statements) dramatically impacts case strength
• Location jurisdiction – Settlement values vary significantly by state and local legal environments
• Insurance policy limits – Can establish maximum potential recovery in some cases
• Quality of legal representation – Experienced attorneys typically secure higher settlements

Biggest Challenges of Winning Your Target Slip and Fall Injury Claim

The biggest challenges of winning a Target slip and fall injury claim include:

1. Proving Target had actual knowledge or should have known about the hazard – You must demonstrate that employees either created the dangerous condition, knew about it, or that it existed long enough that they should have discovered it.
2. Overcoming comparative negligence defenses – Target will often argue you were partially responsible by not watching where you were walking, wearing inappropriate footwear, or ignoring warning signs.
3. Documenting the hazardous condition – Without photos or video of the actual condition that caused your fall, it becomes difficult to prove what happened after the scene has been cleaned up.
4. Corporate legal resources – Target has experienced legal teams and established defense strategies specifically for premises liability claims.
5. Establishing causation between the fall and injuries – Particularly challenging with soft tissue injuries or if you have pre-existing conditions affecting the same body parts.
6. Meeting notice requirements – Some jurisdictions have strict reporting deadlines and procedures that must be followed exactly.
7. Insufficient witness support – Without independent witnesses, cases often become your word against Target’s.
8. Surveillance footage challenges – Target may claim footage doesn’t exist, was overwritten, or only shows portions of the incident that benefit their defense.
9. High burden of proof – The legal standard requires you to prove all elements of negligence, not just that you fell in their store.
10. Settlement pressure – Target may offer quick but low settlements hoping you’ll accept before fully understanding your injuries or claim value.

Increasing Your Odds of Winning Your Target Slip and Fall Claim

Below are steps that might increase your odds of winning a Target slip and fall case:

1. Document the scene immediately – Take photos/videos of the hazard and surrounding area before it’s cleaned up
2. Seek medical attention promptly – Create an immediate medical record linking injuries to the fall
3. Report the incident formally – File an official incident report with the store manager
4. Collect witness information – Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the fall or the hazard
5. Preserve evidence – Keep the shoes and clothing worn during the incident
6. Maintain a detailed journal – Record pain levels, limitations, and how injuries affect daily life
7. Follow all medical advice – Complete recommended treatments and attend all appointments
8. Avoid social media posts – Don’t discuss your accident or activities online
9. Decline to give recorded statements – Don’t speak with Target’s insurance without legal representation
10. Consult with a personal injury attorney – Ideally one with specific experience in retail premises liability cases
11. Act quickly – Be aware of statute of limitations in California
12. Gather surveillance footage – Request Target preserve any security camera footage through your attorney
13. Document all expenses – Keep detailed records of medical bills, transportation costs, and lost wages

Have Questions About Your Potential Slip and Fall Case?

Looking for help with your potential slip and fall case? Contact one of our California slip and fall attorneys today to get a free consultation.