What You Should Know Regarding Trip-and-Fall Lawsuit Settlements
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), one out of three people over 65 will suffer from a fall every year in the United States.
Trip and fall accidents can be terrifying to go through. They can bring immense challenges regarding medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
Keep in mind that trip-and-fall lawsuit settlements require you to prove negligence on the part of the responsible party. This is the task that your lawyer will help you accomplish.
At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we are here to fight for you if you have sustained injuries in an accident.
Are There Average Amounts for Trip-and-Fall Lawsuit Settlements?
There is no such thing as an average settlement for a trip-and-fall accident. But there are some factors that you can consider to help you get a sense of your potential damages.
A crucial piece of your trip-and-fall claim will be the evidence you gather after an accident as well. Get in touch with our honest team of attorneys for more help estimating your possible settlement award.
What Damages Make Up a Settlement Amount?
You can look at a few factors that are analyzed when determining your settlement amount. Here, we will discuss the main categories.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are challenging to calculate because they are so subjective and individual to each person. Some types of non-economic damages that you could recover compensation for include the following.
Pain and Suffering
The pain and suffering you experience because of a trip-and-fall could be a part of your damages. This is an overarching category of non-economic damages that includes mental anguish and physical pain.
Disfigurement
You may also be able to recover compensation if you suffer from disfigurement after a trip-and-fall accident. If you have sustained permanent scars or facial disfigurement, we understand that this can have a severe impact on you. The more significant the scarring, the more compensation you are likely to recover in your settlement.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of enjoyment of life means that you cannot participate in everyday activities that you once enjoyed. For example, if you can no longer play a favorite sport, go for long walks, or participate in a cherished hobby, you might have a claim for the loss of the enjoyment of life.
Economic Damages
This is another type of damages that you might receive when filing a trip-and-fall claim. Economic damages are quantifiable and more objective than non-economic damages.
Thus, the amount of economic damages is easier to determine. A few types of possible economic damages consist of those below.
Medical Expenses
The cost of your medical bills is a major component of your overall settlement award. When you seek medical care, ensure that you request copies of any treatment plans from your doctor.
You will need as much documentation as possible to prove you have suffered in the accident.
Lost Wages
You may be unable to work while recovering from injuries due to a trip-and-fall accident. Your lost income can raise the settlement amount that you receive.
The amount of time you were out of work may increase or decrease your settlement award.
What Is Considered a Tripping Hazard?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any kind of change on the vertical level of more than one-fourth of an inch at a crack or joint is equivalent to a “trip hazard.”
Contact our attorneys if you have any questions about whether you have a viable claim.
Lifted or Uneven Sidewalks
One major cause of trip-and-fall accidents is uneven or raised sidewalks. Sometimes this occurs due to tree roots growing below the sidewalk and pushing it upwards.
Sinking pavement slabs can also lead to injuries. Reach out to our attorneys for assistance filing your claim, and we can aid you in recovering compensation.
Broken Driveways
Broken driveways can also cause a person to trip and fall and can result in significant injuries. If this was the case for you, you might be able to hold the property owner liable.
Scattered Obstacles
If employees place items in the way, such as tools or cables, this can result in a trip-and-fall incident. Boxes or packaging left in the walkway can also cause a person to suffer serious injuries.
Some injuries a person might sustain from a trip and fall could consist of broken bones or a back injury.
Inadequate Lighting
A lack of lighting can result in a serious trip-and-fall accident. Adequate lighting needs to be available on stairways and other areas.
Otherwise, individuals are unable to see possible tripping hazards in their way. Property owners could be responsible for your injuries if they do not replace broken lights or install enough bulbs.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Trip-and-Fall Lawsuit?
You will have to make sure that you file your trip-and-fall claim by the appropriate deadline. Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations for a trip-and-fall claim is two years from the date you sustained an injury.
Remember that filing a claim after the statute of limitations has passed is extremely difficult. Reach out to our experienced lawyers, and we can help ensure that you file your claim promptly.
How a Trip-and-Fall Attorney Can Help You Right Now
If you have experienced injuries in an accident, contact our top-notch team at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers. Our attorneys in Philadelphia are ready to advocate for you and help you recover the compensation you need.
Practice areas at our firm include trip-and-fall accident claims, motor vehicle accident claims, and more. To request a free consultation, fill out our online form or contact us today at 215-999-2244.
