Sometimes, you may fall and sustain minor injuries like scrapes and bruises. Other times, when you slip and fall, it can result in significant personal injuries. Interestingly, slip and fall cases are more common than most people would imagine. Moreover, studies have reported that over 800,000 patients hospitalized each year result from severe slip and fall accidents.
If you slip and fall, it may cause serious problems such as broken bones, spine and neck injury, or traumatic brain injury. When you fall and get injuries due to negligence, contact a lawyer who can help you get compensated for slip and fall injuries experienced. However, the compensation depends on the damages, which vary on the circumstances of the accident. So, after the accident, you can agree with the other involved party and settle everything out of court.
On the other hand, you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, continued medical treatment, inability to perform routine duties such as household tasks or childcare, and reduced future earning capacity. Therefore, the types of legal compensation you can get fall into these categories:
General Damages
General damages are less straightforward for you to determine, unlike the actual losses. These are types of compensation for slip and fall injuries you claim because they extend into your future. The general damages may include loss of amenity, loss of future earnings, inability to do household activities, loss of future career opportunities, loss of competitive advantage, loss of comfort, and more. To be compensated, a good estimate amount depends on certain factors, including the lawyer you hire. Having a good attorney at your side will help you save both time and money in the long run.
Special Damages
The other compensation claims after slip and fall include the special damages. These are highly compensated after such an incidence because they represent the actual losses you incur after an accident. The special damages include medical bills and rehabilitation in case you have to undergo physiotherapy. Another thing you will get compensation for is loss of income when you take time off to recover from injuries. The value of damaged clothes, gadgets, pain, and suffering from the incident are also included in the special damages.
To seek compensation, preserve your evidence related to slip and fall accidents. Also, retain your financial aspects proof. Your lawyer helps you in determining what you need to claim for in special damages.
Punitive Damages
Lastly, the other damages you can claim after a slip and fall accident are these punitive damages. They are substantial damages intended to punish your defendant, thus not common. You may need a reliable lawyer to get compensation for the punitive damage. That’s because you should prove the defendant was reckless for your safety.
The Bottom Line
When you get slip and fall compensation, it should be equal to pain, suffering, and monetary losses. The amount of pain caused will be compensated depending on the severity of the injuries, while financial losses depend on out-of-pocket losses. Damages play a significant role in determining the amount of compensation you can get after a slip and fall. However, the strength of your case and the lawyer you hire will play a significant role in the amount of compensation you get overall.
