After you are involved in a slip or fall accident in your workplace, you may be eligible for monetary compensation. An experienced trip and fall lawyer can help you prove negligence and get fair compensation. They will account for factors like the severity of injuries and the impact of the injury on your daily routine. Here are a few factors that influence the amount of compensation you’re owed:
1. Medical Expenses
People who have experienced slip and fall accidents may face significant medical expenses. Aspects such as hospital stays, rehabilitation, emergency room visits, and appointments for ongoing treatments add to the costs. A trip and fall lawyer makes sure to account for past, present, and future medication costs attributed to the accident.
2. Severity of Injuries
More severe injuries attract higher compensation. A broken spinal cord leading to complete paralysis could attract a higher compensation compared to someone who broke an arm. You may have to present medical reports as part of the claim. These reports include evidence that helps determine the degree of injury.
3. Recovery Time
The length of time it could take for a victim to recover from injuries can affect the compensation amount. Injuries that take a longer time to heal may attract a higher compensation. Long recovery times could lead to a longer period out of work and more charges to cover ongoing treatment. This explains the higher costs associated with a longer recovery time. In cases where the injury never heals and causes a permanent disability, the compensation could be higher.
4. Impact on Daily Routine
Some injuries may prevent you from doing your daily routine as you recover. You could find it impossible or hard to meet your daily job responsibilities, leading to lost wages. In some cases, you may struggle to do your job with your usual level of competence. The extent of the disruption to your routine determines the amount you can be compensated. Major disruptions that make you completely unable to perform your daily duties attract higher compensation. When an injury lowers your quality of life by making it impossible to engage in activities you usually enjoy, you may be eligible for higher compensation.
5. Degree of Negligence
The extent of negligence by the other party can impact the compensation of your slip and fall claim. The victim’s ability to prove the other party’s fault with the help of an experienced lawyer determines the amount to be compensated. Clear evidence of negligence or recklessness by the at-fault party could attract higher compensation.
In cases where the injured party also showed negligence leading to the accident, compensation could be lower. Proof showing that more responsibility for the accident lies on the victim or the injured could lead to no compensation in some states.
6. Extent of Insurance Coverage
The insurance coverage limit of the at-fault party could determine the value of your injury claim. When the at-fault party’s insurance coverage matches the accident expenses, you may find it easier to get a higher compensation. Insurance carriers may avoid paying more than the limit stated in the policy.
In cases where the accident expenses go beyond the set limit, coverage may fail to adequately cover the accident costs. In such a context, you can file a personal injury claim with the help of an experienced attorney to present a case in favor of a higher compensation.
7. Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations applicable in your state could affect the slip and fall claim’s value. This statute sets a time limit for filing personal injury claims. Filing your claim within this time period bolsters your chances of getting a higher compensation. Failure to file within the set period makes it challenging to recover any compensation from the at-fault party. The deadline for filing could be a few months or years after the accident, depending on your state’s jurisdiction.
Look for a Trip and Fall Lawyer Today
Trip and fall attorneys account for factors such as the severity, impact, and type of injuries when determining fair compensation. They have the skills and knowledge to calculate a fair compensation value. These attorneys apply their expertise to help you negotiate with insurers and present a strong case in court when necessary. Contact a trip and fall attorney today to learn more about factors that impact how much you are compensated after an accident.
