If you are injured after slipping or falling on someone else’s property, you may be eligible to claim compensation under Virginia’s premises liability laws. These damages can help you recover from the financial and emotional burden of an accident so that you can move forward with your head held high.
What are Virginia’s Premises Liability Laws?
The majority of slip and fall cases fall under the umbrella of a premises liability claim. This often indicates that the property owner failed to uphold their “duty of care” over those who entered the property. For example, in the cases of workplace accidents, this could mean that the proper health and safety protocols were not in place or enforced.
What Are Common Damages From Premises Liability Cases?
If you are injured as the result of a slip and fall incident, then you may be able to claim a variety of premises liability damages.
Medical Expenses.
Medical bills are likely one of the biggest expenses you’ll encounter in the aftermath of an accident. For example, the average ER visit in Virginia costs $2,123, and this is before you begin to factor in other expenses, too, such as medication and ongoing treatment. Fortunately, a premises liability claim can help you cover the cost of any medical expenses, especially if they are not covered by your current insurance.
Loss of Income.
Depending on the severity of your injury, taking time off work may be necessary during your recovery. Fortunately, you may be able to claim damages to cover any lost wages during this time. This will likely require you to calculate your average weekly wage so that you can determine how much money you are owed.
Loss of Earning Capacity.
Slips and trips are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, and while most people are able to make a quick recovery, some deal with the after-effects of the incident for the rest of their lives. If your injury means that you’re no longer able to work or that you have to consider working in a different field, you may be able to receive damages as a result of a diminished earning capacity.
Pain & Suffering/Trauma.
You may also be able to claim damages that take into account any pain, suffering, or trauma you face as a result of an injury. For example, a recent study found that victims of workplace accidents tend to report “emotional disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability,” in the years that follow the accident.
When seeking out this kind of compensation, you may need to speak with a psychologist or therapist who can substantiate your claims and ensure that you receive the support you deserve.
Loss of Consortium.
Dealing with the impact of a severe injury can take its toll on an individual’s personal life, too. In some cases, this can lead to the breakdown of a relationship between the injured party and their spouse. In these scenarios, damages can be claimed under “loss of consortium.” This generally suggests that a relationship has been unfairly altered due to the injury.
Loss of Life Enjoyment.
As mentioned above, an accident can impact an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. This could mean they begin to withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed, such as lifelong hobbies or spending time with friends and family. As such, many of those who are putting together a premises liability case are also able to claim a loss of life enjoyment as a form of damages.
No after what damages you are seeking, working with a Virginia Premises Liability Lawyer will help to protect your best interests during this time, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.
Reach Out To a Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer Today.
If you are currently dealing with an injury as a result of a slip, trip, or fall and are considering taking legal action, the team of experienced lawyers at Renfro & Renfro are here to help.
With years of experience and a keen understanding of Virginia’s legal landscape, we’ll work closely with you to put your best foot forward when seeking damages from premises liability cases. This ensures that you gain access to the compensation you deserve without any of the stress typically associated with the court system. After all, you always have someone fighting your side.
If you’d like to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in touch today for a free case evaluation.
