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A simple trip to the store or a walk through a public space shouldn’t leave you injured—but for many people in Garden City, that’s precisely what happens when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions. While they may sound insignificant, slip and fall accidents can lead to serious, life-changing injuries.
If you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, you might have questions about your rights and what damages you can recover to help out with the financial hit you’ve just experienced. Our Garden City, New York slip and fall injury attorneys break down the types of damages you may be entitled to in this helpful guide.
Types of Recoverable Damages in a Slip and Fall Case
Slip and fall accidents can cause a wide range of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you were injured by unsafe property in Garden City, you may be entitled to several types of damages to help you during this time. Here’s what you need to know.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are meant to compensate you for financial losses directly tied to your injury. They include:
- Medical expenses – Medical damages cover all injury-related healthcare costs, from emergency treatment and surgeries to ongoing care and future medical needs.
- Lost wages – Lost wages compensation covers both immediate missed work and future income losses if your injury affects your long-term earning ability.
- Out-of-pocket costs – Other necessary expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments, the cost of medical equipment (like crutches or braces), or modifications to your home, may also be recoverable.
It’s always a good idea to keep meticulous records of your expenses so you don’t miss out on being compensated for everything you deserve.
Non-Economic Damages
While no amount of money can ever make you whole, non-economic damages can help compensate you for the intangible effects of your injury. These damages can include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensates for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Available in extreme circumstances. You must experience extreme mental effects and be able to prove the defendant’s conduct or behavior was intentional, reckless, or negligent.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury prevents you from participating in hobbies, family activities, or other aspects of your life, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Disfigurement or Disability: Can include permanent injuries, scarring, or physical impairments that alter your quality of life.
We recommend keeping an injury diary to track your daily pain levels and activities during your recovery.
Punitive Damages
If the property owner’s behavior was especially reckless or intentional, you may be awarded punitive damages. However, this type of damages are only rarely awarded and are not meant to compensate for a specific loss but to punish the responsible party and discourage similar conduct in the future.
Maximizing Your Recoverable Damages
To ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve after a slip and fall accident, follow these important steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention – Seeking immediate medical attention establishes causation between your accident and injuries while ensuring hidden trauma doesn’t develop into serious conditions.
- Document everything thoroughly – Thoroughly document your accident, injuries, and expenses through photos and records to build a strong foundation for your case. Take photos of the condition that caused you to slip/trip and fall.
- Don’t accept early settlement offers – Don’t rush to accept early settlement offers, as they typically undervalue your claim before the full impact of your injuries is known.
Remember–you are the best advocate for yourself, so be sure to do everything in your power to take care of your injuries and your rights.
Why Choose The Saul Law Firm for Your Slip and Fall Case
At The Saul Law Firm, we understand that a slip and fall accident can turn your life upside down. Our experienced Garden City attorneys have a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients.Time is critical in slip and fall cases. New York’s statute of limitations means you have a limited window to file your claim, and valuable evidence can disappear quickly. Contact The Saul Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced Garden City slip and fall attorneys will review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand all your options for recovery.