The repercussions can be serious when a person is involved in an accident. Injury may range from head trauma, broken bones, and bruises to long-term physical pain, emotional distress, and financial difficulties. Often, those affected may blame themselves, yet in reality, the cause of the incident may be the responsibility of a property owner, landlord, or business proprietor.
Property owners are responsible for ensuring their premises are free from potentially dangerous conditions. If they fail in this duty and someone is hurt, that person may have grounds for seeking financial compensation. It isn’t easy to assess the amount of money an individual should receive for their slip and fall accident; however, certain factors can influence the amount of damages they are entitled to.
Here are seven factors that could affect a slip and fall case:
- Injury Type
When the harm inflicted on a person is particularly severe, they may be entitled to greater compensation. This is because more intensive medical treatment and longer recovery times typically accompany more serious injuries, which can lead to increased medical bills and lost wages. A serious injury can significantly impede a person’s ability to carry out their normal daily activities.
- Immediate Medical Attention
Getting medical attention as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident is essential. This demonstrates that the injuries sustained were serious, and a doctor should be consulted to ensure the person is properly cared for. A treatment plan recommended by the doctor can also help support a compensation claim.
- Permanent Damages
When someone is injured, they may suffer lasting physical and emotional harm. This may include medical expenses and pain that will persist in the future. These types of injuries can significantly increase the damages a person is entitled to.
- Previous Injuries
Suppose a person was hurt in a slip and fall accident and had an existing injury before the incident. In that case, the defendant’s insurance company may attempt to lower the damages they owe. It is up to the claimant to provide evidence that the prior injury did not contribute to the severity of the injury they experienced during the accident.
- Evidence
The strength of a slip and fall claim may be improved by providing supporting evidence. Visuals of the scene, documentation of injuries, and medical reports can all determine the value of a claim. The more evidence presented, the more likely it is to be successful, and the amount of compensation may also be increased.
- Case Report
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to inform the property owner or manager of the incident as soon as possible. Delaying your report could significantly reduce the value of your case, so it is important to contact them as soon as possible.
- Prior Notice
Prior notice is when someone who owns property or runs a business gives a warning before something happens. This could be letting people know that the floor is being newly waxed or cleaned and that they should be careful when walking on it. This way, people can avoid potential accidents or injuries. If the property or business owner does not warn, the affected person can file a claim for damages.
Conclusion
Slip and fall cases in Florida can be affected by many different factors. With so many factors to consider, a slip and fall case can be complex and require the assistance of a qualified attorney to ensure the plaintiff is adequately represented. Therefore, anyone considering filing a slip and fall case in Florida must seek the advice of a legal professional.
Calandro Law is a full-service personal injury law firm in Riverview, Florida. Our attorneys have handled everything from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, brain injuries, spine injuries, premise liability cases, and wrongful death cases. With over a decade of experience, Calandro Law is your best choice to attain maximum compensation for your injuries. If you need a personal injury attorney in Brandon, FL, we’ve got you covered. Call us at (813) 563-6463 today.
