A settlement for slip and fall injuries can pay off your related medical expenses, compensate for the wages you lost, and provide you with funds for your recovery. Although settlement amounts can vary, you must know what to expect if you are thinking about filing an injury claim. Additionally, you must understand the process involved in pursuing compensation for injuries that resulted from the negligent action of another party. Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys can explain what it takes to build a strong case and fight for maximum settlement in negotiations or at trials.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for Slip and Fall Injuries
Each personal injury case is different. But slip and fall settlements for minor injuries often run from $10, 000 to $50, 000. These amounts can increase depending on the severity of an injury and the damages incurred. These damages include the following:
- Medical bills. Medical bills are real monetary damages that determine the final settlement amount in slip and fall cases. If you sustained an injury due to somebody else’s negligence, this party should pay for the medical costs associated with your injury.
- Lost wages. Depending on the seriousness of your injury, you may need to take some time off of work. Thankfully, you can recover lost wages as part of your claim.
- Pain and suffering. These damages can result in mental and physical problems that can hinder your recovery, impact your quality of life, and affect your finances. They are unpredictable and can take a big part of your slip and fall settlement.
How to Calculate Damages
When your injury attorney estimates the amount of settlement you should demand, they will consider first the known monetary damages. These include existing medical bills, lost wages, and transportation costs that arise because of your injury. Should you require ongoing treatment, your attorney will fight for a reasonable settlement according to the possible medical costs you may incur while you recover. They may ask your providers for treatment estimates or consider customary pricing models for the same services in your area.
For non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, the calculation for settlement amounts is determined using a multiplier of your monetary damages. In general, this ranges from 1X to 5X, with the highest factor assigned to serious injuries with longer-lasting effects. For instance, if you sustained a knee injury (1X multiplier) that requires rehab therapy for months, you might get twice your monetary damages as your settlement in your slip and fall case.
