Slip and fall injuries are not a joke. The cartoons may make them look like no big deal, but here at SMT Legal, we know differently. All too often, people slip and fall due to the negligence or carelessness of a property owner or their employees. When you are injured in a slip and fall incident, you should not be on the line for the expenses. Today, our Pittsburgh slip and fall attorneys want to discuss what kind of compensation you can expect from a slipping on a wet floor.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall
In order to secure the maximum compensation, it is important to remember some steps following a slip and fall incident. As soon as the incident occurs, seek treatment for any injuries. Even if the injuries seem minor at the time, please know that the signs and symptoms of many slip and fall injuries do not develop until hours or days after they occur.
- Follow all of the doctor’s treatment plans
- Go to all follow-up visits
Report the incident to a store employee so they can complete an accident report. If you can, take photos of:
- What caused the slip and fall incident
- Any injuries you sustained
Speak to any eyewitnesses. Get their names and phone numbers. As soon as an incident is over, the evidence starts to disappear. You may need all of this in case a personal injury claim is necessary.
What Are Some Common Injuries From Slip and Fall Incidents?
The National Floor Safety Institute says that slip and fall incidents cause approximately one million people to seek treatment in ERs each year. Some of the most common injuries from a slip and fall incident include things like:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe bruises and bone bruising
- Severe lacerations or amputations
- External head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
These injuries can all lead to major medical expenses and long-term consequences for a victim and their family. If a slip and fall victim is unable to work, they could lose the income they need to pay for both medical expenses and regular household expenses (bills, groceries, and more).
How Much Compensation You Can Expect
The amount of compensation you can expect from a slip and fall injury is going to vary from case to case. There is nothing written into Pennsylvania law that says, “a plaintiff will get X amount of dollars for this case.”
Instead, you and your attorney will work with experts to calculate your total losses. The goal is to secure compensation for all of your injury-related expenses. This can include the following:
- Your medical expenses related to the incident
- Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
- Possible punitive damages against those responsible
At SMT Legal, you can count on us to help you through this. When you need a Pittsburgh slip and fall attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation.