Airbnb accidents, including slips and falls, can result in serious injuries and financial losses. Many times, individuals face an uphill battle in filing a claim and recovering a truly fair recovery of damages. Insurance companies are highly skilled in proving why they should not pay you. However, when you work with an attorney with specific experience in this area, you may be able to file a more valuable claim.
At Kwartler Manus, our Airbnb slip and fall accident attorney will help you analyze all factors in your case to build a maximum claim.
Types of Damages in a Slip and Fall Case
A slip-and-fall accident is a form of premises liability claim in most situations. You must prove the owner owed you a duty of care, failed in that duty of care, caused an accident, and the accident resulted in your losses. The question you need to answer here is: what are your losses? Here is a look at some of the types of damages commonly associated with a slip and fall accident case.
Medical Bills
You can file a claim for any medical bills you have directly from the accident or from resulting complications. This includes anything you suffered that worsened pre-existing conditions or new injuries. Examples in a slip and fall accident might include:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization costs
- Surgical or other treatment-related costs
- Medications
- Ongoing support from a doctor
- Cost of ambulance care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Home health care costs
- Extended stays in treatment centers
- Ongoing medical support
You should keep a journal of all of these losses. Document every medical appointment, treatment, or lab test related to your accident or the resulting injuries. These are all documented losses you may be able to recover.
Lost Wages
Victims who are unable to work for a period of time due to their injuries can file a claim for those losses. This may include your wages, whether you are an hourly or a salaried worker. It may also include losses related to bonuses you did not receive or benefits denied to you.
Note that you may miss work for your injury as well as follow-up appointments and future procedures. You can file a claim that incorporates any type of financial loss related to being unable to work. Your employer will verify the number of hours or days of work you missed.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Some people suffer serious injuries in a slip and fall accident that makes it impossible for them to go back to the same job. You may not be able to work as long, or you may need job retraining due to new limitations.
Your employer will help to vouch for the changes in your skills and ability to do your job. You can then work with your attorney to determine the loss of earnings suffered long-term based on your age and career trajectory. Your attorney will look at all aspects that contribute to this based on the work you do.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
You may have additional costs associated with your slip and fall accident. These can add up over time. Examples include:
- Damage to personal property
- Childcare costs if you cannot take care of your child due to your injuries
- Costs for adaptive devices in your home or car due to your injuries
- Out-of-pocket transportation costs
- Cost of any medical or supportive equipment not covered by insurance
Be thorough in documenting everything you spend after your accident. If you only had to spend those funds due to your injury, this could be a part of your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering claims relate to the impact the accident has on your quality of life. This includes the pain you felt at the time of the accident as well as the discomfort and suffering you continue to have.
Many people suffer significantly when they have permanent injuries. In these cases, you may develop chronic pain disorders that warrant a higher recovery of damages.
Mental Anguish and Emotional Stress
Slip and fall accidents can be terrifying. You may find yourself unable to be around certain areas because of the trauma you experienced. You may be dealing with anxiety or the onset of depression. You may receive compensation for these losses. That includes losses to get treatment for them, but also non-economic damages.
Loss of Quality of Life
One of the most important areas not to overlook is the impact this accident has on your quality of life. Identify which limitations you now have as a result of the accident. Consider:
- Your inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed
- Changes to relationships
- Loss of the ability to engage in intimate activities
- New health problems
- Implications for the length of your life due to complications
These are just some examples. Your attorney will help you build an even more robust claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
At Kwartler Manus, our Airbnb slip and fall accident attorney is your advocate. Meet with us for a free consultation to learn more.