5 Types of Compensation for Slip and Fall Accidents
If a defect on a property caused you harm in a slip and fall incident, you can pursue damages for your losses. Partnering with a slip and fall lawyer will help you pursue all potential compensation, including economic and non-economic damages. Knowing what compensation you may recover provides clarity before filing a personal injury claim. Here are five types of compensation for slip and fall accidents:
Contents
1. Medical Expenses
Medical expenses make up a portion of slip and fall accident settlements. To calculate your medical costs accurately, you’ll need to request records from all providers who treated your injuries. This includes records and costs for:
- Emergency Services
- Specialists
- Tests
- Procedures
- Surgeries
- Therapies
- Prescriptions
- Medical Supplies
- Follow-up Care
A skilled lawyer will organize your medical financial documentation to substantiate your claim during settlement negotiations. Your settlement can also include compensation for projected future medical expenses, such as physical therapy or additional surgeries. The compensation amount for these expenses may be based on an expert analysis of your long-term healthcare needs.
2. Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Slip and fall accidents can result in numerous out-of-pocket expenses that may be included in compensation claims. These costs arise from practical needs directly related to the injury, such as transportation to medical appointments, purchasing assistive devices like crutches or braces, or hiring in-home care during recovery. Additional expenses may include temporary childcare, home modifications for mobility limitations, or lodging costs for specialized treatment in another location. A lawyer confirms that these incidental expenses are documented and included in the claim to help secure fair reimbursement.
3. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages in slip and fall accident claims compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. They also account for loss of quality of life. Factors such as the injury type, prognosis, recovery timeline, and the degree of disruption to personal relationships help determine the value of these damages.
Non-economic damages aim to address the intangible effects of an accident, such as the inability to participate in hobbies, reduced independence, or ongoing anxiety. While caps and limitations may apply, a lawyer works to maximize non-economic damages to cover long-term impacts like chronic pain, lifelong mobility issues, and mental health struggles caused by the accident.
4. Lost Wages
Wage reimbursements can compensate for time missed from work after a fall. This includes hours missed for doctors’ appointments, medical treatments, rehabilitation sessions, and monitoring of your health condition. Any accrued paid time off used during recovery may also be eligible for reimbursement.
Reduced earning ability is another aspect of wage-related damages. If your injury prevents you from continuing to work at full capacity, you may pursue compensation for anticipated future wage loss. Proof of employment and a doctor’s statement connecting your ongoing injury to work limitations help support the case for reduced earning capacity. A slip and fall lawyer factors in current and projected wage losses when calculating damages. This aims to cover both immediate and future loss of income.
5. Legal Fees
When pursuing compensation for a slip and fall accident, you may seek reimbursement for your legal fees. These fees can include court costs, expert witness fees, attorney’s fees, and investigation costs. Your lawyer may negotiate with the property owner’s insurance company to factor these legal fees into the negotiations. Including these costs in your claim helps minimize the financial burden on you after your slip and fall accident.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
After an accident, partnering with a slip and fall lawyer helps you determine your next steps and build a strong case. Your legal team anticipates defense tactics and advocates for maximum financial recovery by thoroughly investigating the accident. Proactive case evaluations help develop recovery plans and assess your compensation options. Contact a lawyer today for a consultation and on-site evaluation.