Slip and fall accidents are fairly common, from slipping and falling on an icy sidewalk to slipping and falling on a loose step. In some cases, the accident was caused by another person’s negligence ‘ such as failing to repair a broken step. When this occurs, the injured party may file a personal injury claim to recover compensatory damages for their injury and losses. Determining the value of a slip and fall accident claim can be challenging, as some losses are immeasurable. The knowledgeable slip and fall accident attorneys at Ged Lawyers, LLP have been successfully fighting on behalf of accident victims since 1995.
Compensatory damages in personal injury cases
Personal injury claims can be filed when an individual suffers injury in an accident that was another person or entity’s fault. The legal standard of negligence must be proven in order to serve as the basis of a claim. The injured party ‘ the plaintiff ‘ files the personal injury claim to receive monetary compensation called damages. The intent of compensatory damages is to restore the injured party to the way they were before the accident. Compensatory damages in personal injury cases may include any of the following:
- Medical expenses due to the accident injury
- Compensation for future medical treatment resulting from the injury
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income as a result of the accident
- Property loss
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
Compensatory damage awards may be ordered by a judge or jury after a trial, or the award may be agreed upon after negotiation with the other parties involved.
Punitive damages
Unlike compensatory damages, which are designed to repair the damage that was done due to the slip and fall accident, the purpose of punitive damages is to punish the negligent party and act as a deterrent for future negligence. To argue for punitive damages, the at-fault party must have behaved in a particularly reckless manner. Punitive damages may be awarded to the plaintiff in addition to any compensatory damages.
Measurable and immeasurable losses
When you have suffered injury in a slip and fall accident, some of your losses may be easily measurable, such as medical bills, lost wages, lost earned sick and vacation time, and property damage. Other losses, such as loss of enjoyment and pain and suffering ‘ which includes physical pain and discomfort, anxiety, and emotional stress that is a result of the accident and your injuries ‘ are difficult to assign an exact monetary amount and must be estimated.
Injured in a slip and fall accident? Let us help you get the compensation you deserve
Slipping and falling is an everyday occurrence. And, much of the time, the result is only a scraped knee or a minor bruise. Other times, the injuries are more serious. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident and someone else is responsible, you may have the basis of a personal injury claim. The knowledgeable accident attorneys at Ged Lawyers, LLP have successfully represented Florida accident victims since 1995, recovering just compensation for their slip and fall injuries. Our team is available to answer your questions and advise you of your legal options; contact our office at 844-443-3529 or online to arrange for a free case review to discuss your case.
