Slip and Fall Injuries Can Be Costly

 Posted on November 30, 2023 in Premises Liability

Each year, the medical costs for slip and fall accidents total approximately $50 billion. Medical expenses may entail emergency room care, surgery, rehabilitative treatment, physical therapy, and prescription costs. Taking all these costs into account, a slip and fall injury can rapidly drain your bank account.

If you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall, speak with a Chicago premises liability attorney to find out what compensation may be available to you.

Injuries from a Slip and Fall

Most commonly, falls result in broken bones, which may include arm, wrist, ankle, leg, and hip fractures. A hip fracture should be taken seriously, especially in older adults, who are more susceptible to falls. A hip fracture can impede movement, leading to blood clots in the legs or lungs.

Slip and fall accidents can also lead to traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is caused by any strike or blow to the head which disrupts normal brain function. A TBI can be incredibly dangerous for older people since this age group tends to take more medications, including blood thinners.

Unfortunately, older adults are more likely to fall due to strength and balance issues. Since health complications after a fall are more serious for those 65 years or older, the expenses associated with a fall are also more significant.

Compensatory Damages

You will likely be able to submit a premises liability claim for your slip and fall through insurance. When you submit your insurance claim, you will need to document your losses as part of your demand package, including your economic and noneconomic damages.

Economic damages are out-of-pocket expenses that have created a financial strain, such as:

• Lost income
• Lost earning capacity
• Surgeries
• Rehabilitative equipment
• Physical therapy

In contrast, noneconomic damages are intangible losses that do not have a specific dollar value but do impact your life. Noneconomic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Negligent infliction of emotional distress
• Disfigurement or scarring

Ongoing Costs

While a personal injury claim may compensate you for your medical costs in the weeks following your slip and fall, there will likely be ongoing costs. If your fall has left you permanently disabled, you will likely require round-the-clock home care.

As we age, any injuries that we sustain may begin to bother us more. If you had surgery to repair a hip fracture, the relief you experience may not last long. If your hip deteriorates, you may need a hip joint replacement.

These are just a couple of examples of recurring costs. A Chicago premises liability attorney will be able to take these future medical expenses into account when calculating your damages.

Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Contact a Chicago, IL Premises Liability Attorney Today

The long-term effects of a slip and fall cannot be underestimated. If you have suffered injuries in a slip and fall, you need a Chicago, IL premises liability attorney to review your case. Contact Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC today online call 312-236-6324 to schedule your free consultation.