If you suffered a slip and fall at a burger restaurant, you might be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. You are most likely wondering how much you would be able to recover for pain and suffering, but that depends on several things.
Remember, not all claims are the same, so these matters are handled on a case by case basis. However, there are several things that are considered when determining the value of a claim. Of course, the entire incident and all the damages must be considered when a personal injury lawyer is determining how to proceed and a fair settlement value.
How Is Pain and Suffering Determined?
Not all injuries are the same. Because of that, more serious injuries will result in a higher settlement for pain and suffering. Your accident injury attorney will help you determine your damages and your pain and suffering from your slip and fall at a fast food restaurant, but here is a general idea of how it is determined.
Your medical bills, both past and future, will be considered. Your lost wages and future loss of earnings will also be thrown into the mix. First, all your medical bills will be added up with a fair estimation of future medical bills being included. That total will be multiplied by a figure ranging from 1.5 to 5 depending on the severity of the injury. That figure will be used to negotiate your pain and suffering.
As an example, if you suffered a concussion and your medical bills total $4,000, then your attorney will most likely multiply that figure by 4 or 5, total $16,000 to $20,000 as a working number to negotiate a settlement. If you suffered whiplash and have $2,000 in medical bills, that will probably be multiplied by 1.5 or 2, resulting in $3,500 to $4,000 to negotiate as a fair value for your pain and suffering. A head injury or a broken bone will warrant a higher settlement than a sprain, strain, or whiplash because soft tissue injuries are much more likely to heal faster.
Keep Supporting Documentation
You will need to maintain a file of documentation and evidence to support your claim and show the damages you suffered from your fall at the fast food joint. For example, keep all medical bills, medical records, proof of missed work and lost wages, take photos of visible injuries, get statements from eyewitnesses, and so forth.
Without documentation, you cannot prove which damages you suffered and how you were affected by the slip and fall. An injury that leads to long-term disabilities or requires you to have a caregiver could result in a settlement of six or seven figures, but a simple fall with a full recovery could lead to a few thousand dollars.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
If you suffered a slip and fall complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today so you can have your case properly reviewed and get your claim on track. A statute of limitations does apply to pursuing a personal injury claim.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against McDonald's, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
