Disfigurement After a Slip-and-Fall in Tampa

Disfigurement is one of many non-economic damages one might experience after a slip-and-fall in Tampa. This type of emotional loss can cause a loss of self-confidence, social withdrawal, difficulty forming relationships, anxiety, depression, and many other psychological burdens. How can you pursue the compensation you deserve after a disfiguring fall? Could an injury lawyer help?

When Might a Slip-and-Fall Lead to Disfigurement? 

A slip-and-fall may lead to disfigurement in many ways. After a fall, a victim might suffer various abrasions and lacerations. This is particularly common with falls involving glass. For example, a victim might slip on a wet puddle before falling through a window. They might also slip on broken glass before falling onto the surface and lacerating their face, arms, or body.

Severe fractures may also lead to amputation, which is a form of disfigurement. For example, a victim might suffer a compound or open fracture with exposed bones that penetrate the skin. These severe fractures may also lead to arterial damage, posing enough risk to the limb to warrant amputation.

A burn can also be disfiguring, and this type of injury could be related to a slip-and-fall. For example, someone might slip in a restaurant before falling onto a hot tray of food. If the kitchen is located close to a walking area, a guest might fall onto a grill or pan.

The possibilities are almost endless, and if you think you were disfigured by a fall, you’re probably right.

How Much Compensation Can I Get for Disfigurement? 

Disfigurement is a non-economic damage, just like pain & suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and depression. Non-economic damages are difficult to calculate because they represent psychological losses and not financial losses.

However, your injury attorney may be able to predict how much your claim is worth. Facial disfigurements can be particularly life-altering for obvious reasons. However, scars or burns on your body may also make life challenging, especially in regard to romantic relationships.

Remember, compensation for disfigurement goes above and beyond the compensation you may receive for medical expenses. If you need reconstructive surgery or similar treatments, you should receive enough to cover these expenses. In addition, you may receive compensation for the psychological, non-economic effects of your injury.

Who Is Responsible for My Disfiguring Injury?

 If you were injured on someone else’s property, the property owner owes you a duty of care. They may have caused or contributed to your fall in various ways. Perhaps they forgot to clean up a liquid spill. Maybe they failed to replace a light bulb in a dark stairwell. A property owner may have placed hot or boiling items too close to public walking areas.

Can a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in Tampa Help Me Get Compensation for Disfigurement? 

A slip-and-fall lawyer in Tampa may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve for disfiguring injuries. Even if you’re not sure whether your fall will lead to a permanent disfigurement, it makes sense to discuss your situation with a lawyer. To learn more about the potential next steps, contact Anderson & Anderson today.

Sources: 

cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00021845.htm

medparkhospital.com/en-US/medpark-stories/complicated-bone-fracture-from-an-acciden#:~:text=Compound%20or%20open%20fracture%3A%20Deep,could%20result%20in%20ultimate%20amputation.