While you were out and about in Portland, you slipped, fell, and got injured. You are now suffering physically and mentally and have bills to pay to cover your expenses. You’re wondering: What types of damages can I recover for my slip and fall injury?
Here are the damages you may be able to collect as part of your settlement.
Medical Expenses
When you get injured, you may suddenly be faced with having to pay high medical bills. This could include bills for your appointments with your primary care doctor as well as specialists, prescription medicine, surgeries, medical equipment, at-home care, and more.
Loss of Wages
Did you have to take time off from work to go to doctors’ appointments? Then you could claim a loss of wages as damages in your case. You can also claim money you may miss out on in the future, like a bonus or a raise due to your injuries, if applicable.
Damage to Your Belongings
When you slipped and fell, did any of your belongings become damaged? For instance, did your glasses fall off your face and get cracked? Did a piece of your clothing get ripped? You could claim any damage to your personal belongings.
Pain and Suffering
Did you suffer from physical pain or mental anguish following your slip and fall accident? How about emotional distress? This could be one of the damages you claim as well.
What to Do When You Slip and Fall
When you slip and fall, it’s critical to gather evidence that the accident was not your fault. This could include photographs or videos of the scene of the accident. You should also report the slip and fall to a store manager or property owner and get a copy of the report in writing before you leave the scene. Collect witness statements from people who saw what happened, and note the locations of any cameras that may have recorded what happened. Ask the store manager or property owner for their insurance information, too.
Then, if you are seriously hurt, go to the hospital to treat your injuries. Make sure you ask for a check-up, including X-rays, so you know the full extent of your injuries and the treatments you will need. Stay on top of your treatment plan and take your recovery seriously.
If the other party’s insurance provider calls you and offers you a settlement, do not take it. It will be too low since insurance companies do not provide proper compensation. If you accept the first settlement that comes along, you won’t be able to ask for another one later on.
Instead, call up a personal injury lawyer instead. Hand over the evidence you have, and they will gladly take a look at your case. If they decide to take it on, they’ll fight for you to get the damages you deserve in your time of need. You’ll be able to focus on your recovery.
Contact Zbinden & Curtis Today
Zbinden & Curtis, a Portland personal injury law firm, cares about accident victims, and we’re ready to help you with your slip and fall accident in Portland. We fight tooth and nail for our clients to get them the settlement they deserve in their time of need.
Contact us today to learn more by calling (503) 287-5000 or contacting us on our website for a free case evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you.