Damages for a Trip and Fall Accident

Trip and fall accidents happen at work, in people’s homes, and at stores and other public places. Often, people trip over power strips which cross the floor or uneven carpets and floorboards. A personal injury claim is an excellent way to seek justice. After falling, many people deal with horrifying and painful injuries. They deserve meaningful compensation, which they can receive in the form of “damages.” Below, we look at some of the damages you can request and identify what evidence you need.

Medical Bills and Rehab Expenses

Trip and fall accidents lead to significant, complicated injuries:

• Broken bones. When a victim lands on the ground, they can break their arm, shoulder, or ribs. Rib fractures have many complications, including heightened risk of pneumonia. Some accident victims are even hospitalized.
• Facial injuries. If a person lands on their face, they can deal with broken cheekbones, eye injuries, or lacerations.
• Your head can rebound after hitting the floor, causing a serious neck injury. Whiplash can lead to neck stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.
• A concussion is a common injury which can leave someone sidelined for months with symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, and difficulty standing.

These injuries warrant immediate treatment and ongoing rehab. The average cost can exceed $10,000. We can request compensation for your medical bills from the property owner where you fell. Hold onto proof of the cost of care, including prescription drugs, rehab, and doctor’s visits.

Pain and Suffering

This category of damages is easy to overlook. Bodily injuries like those listed above cause intense pain. Some people cannot sleep at night, while others withdraw from family and friends. Expensive pain medication only provides temporary relief.

We can demand damages for pain and suffering, also called “general damages.” This is one category of damages which is tricky to calculate. Someone with significant pain and immobility should receive more than someone who heals in a matter of weeks.

Lost Wages or Income

Did you miss any time from work after an accident? If so, then our firm can request compensation to cover lost income or wages. Even self-employed people should request damages when they cannot work due to a trip and fall accident. Share with your lawyer copies of your most recent paystub or, if you are self-employed, bank records.

Punitive Damages

In limited circumstances, we might request punitive damages for a trip and fall victim. These are appropriate when a property owner knew of a hazard which could injure someone but intentionally refused to warn visitors or minimize the harm. Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant, so the amount will depend on the outrageousness of the defendant’s conduct and other factors.

Speak with Our Law Firm to Go Over an Accident

A Greenville trip and fall lawyer at Snyder Heitman LLC can send a demand letter to the property owner and open negotiations. Our law firm can also file a lawsuit, where appropriate, to seek a fair settlement. Call our office if you were hurt in Greenville, Spartanburg, or Upstate South Carolina. Our firm can analyze the strength of your evidence and determine the best step to take next.

Source:

law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-15/chapter-32/section-15-32-520/