If you were injured in a slip and fall or other premises liability accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the property or business owner if their negligence caused your injuries. You will need the assistance of a skilled premises liability lawyer to determine how much your claim is worth. Here are six factors that could increase the value of your claim.
The Severity of Your Injuries
The value of your claim will be more if you suffered a hard injury rather than a soft injury, such as bruises, strains, or sprains. Hard injuries that are long-term or permanent will increase the amount of compensation you should receive even more than the ones you recover from. Types of hard injuries that may increase your claim’s value include:
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Amputation of a body part
- Joint injury
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injuries
Your Medical Care
If you suffered serious injuries that require expensive medical treatments, this will increase how much your claim is worth. This is especially true if you will have a longer recovery period or will never fully recover from your injuries and need medical care for the rest of your life.
Your Income
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work for a long time, the value of your wage loss will be higher. You could also be entitled to lost earning capacity damages if you were permanently disabled and can no longer work.
Disruptions in Your Life
Your injuries could make it difficult for you to perform your everyday activities, such as walking or taking care of your daily needs. You may also have a reduced quality of life if you are unable to engage in hobbies, play sports, or do other activities you enjoyed before your accident. This could increase the value of your claim.
Pain and Suffering
If you suffered emotional and mental trauma, this would also entitle you to more compensation. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fear are a few of the symptoms you may experience due to the pain of your injuries and coping with the sudden changes in your life.
Liability
If the negligence of the property or business owner is clear cut, this will increase the strength of your case and its value. However, if there are real questions about whether you were partially at fault in causing your accident, this will significantly weaken your claim. Under Virginia’s harsh contributory negligence laws, you would be barred from receiving any compensation if you were even one percent to blame for your injuries.
Do you need help filing a claim with the insurance company for injuries you suffered in a slip and fall or other premises liability accident? Our experienced premises liability attorneys are here to advise you on the value of your claim and how we will fight so that you receive the maximum recovery you deserve. Fill out our convenient online form to schedule your free case evaluation today.
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