When you face any accident, make sure to gather all the details of the accident scene. When you experience a slip-and-fall accident, it may cause a drastic change in your physical and mental well-being. Therefore, it is advisable that you may seek immediate medical attention to prevent any long-term disabilities.
Types of damages in a slip and fall injury claim
Different types of damages may be available in a personal injury claim.
General damages are damages that are not easily quantifiable, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. It is more difficult to put a dollar amount on these types of damages. If you are uncertain about what compensation you can get and how to file a claim.
Special damages are tangible losses that can be quantified, such as medical bills or lost wages. For example, if you had to miss work because of your injuries, the lost wages would be considered special damages. Many times, special damages are easy to calculate because they are directly related to specific expenses.
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the property owner’s negligence was particularly egregious. For example, if a property owner knew about a wet floor and did not take proper action to clean it up, and you slip-and-fall and suffer a serious injury, they may be ordered to pay punitive damages. Every state has different laws regarding punitive damages.
A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help you sort out the different types of damages that you may be entitled to and guide you through the claims process.
Injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident
Some of the most common injuries that you may sustain in a slip and fall accident are as follows:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Lacerations and bruises
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Shoulder and wrist injuries
Premises liability accidents are considered personal injuries, and you may get compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit for slip and fall injuries. Whether you are filing a personal injury lawsuit or want to settle with an insurance company, you will have to prove that someone else’s careless actions caused the fall.
What is the value of my slip and fall settlement case?
The average value of your slip and fall case will vary and is dependent on a variety of factors. Some of the essential factors that determine the value of a slip and fall accident case are:
- Medical treatment expenses
- Lost income
- Lost potential for earning
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Long-term care
- Rehabilitation therapies, if required
Some of the parameters that may lay a huge impact on your settlement amount are the types of injury and evidence that you have gathered from the scene of the incident. These may define the settlement amount of your slip and fall injury lawsuit.
Things to Avoid after a slip and fall accident
It may be difficult for you to stay calm after facing a slip and fall accident. However, if you can, it may prove beneficial.
- You must report the accident immediately to the property owner or the manager. Sometimes, people are embarrassed and walk away. However, this will work against you in the future.
- Do not apologize or admit fault or mistake. This will strengthen the case of the other party even though it may not be your mistake.
- Do not fail to interact with any of the witnesses. It will prove to be beneficial for your case in the long run.
- Do not try to ignore your pain. Even if you have not sustained any injuries, you must visit a doctor. Your pain may worsen after a few weeks or even months.
- Do not try to provide any recorded statement to the insurance representative. They may use it against you which may harm your case and the settlement amount.
- You must not sign any agreements or papers without discussing them with your lawyer. They may provide you with a lower settlement as compared to what you deserve.
Slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries, and the claims process can be complex. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process and get the compensation you deserve.
