Several key factors will determine how much your Geneva slip and fall case is worth. These include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of your medical bills and whether you will need future care
- The income you lost while recovering and whether your earning capacity is diminished
- The pain and suffering you’ve experienced
- Whether you share fault for the accident
- The available insurance coverages
- The strength of your evidence
The truth is that there is no automatic value that applies to every Illinois slip and fall claim. Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation available depends on the facts and circumstances of your case. Minor injuries that heal quickly generally result in lower settlements, while serious injuries (e.g., fractures, head injuries, or permanent disabilities) often lead to significantly higher compensation.
The Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Fall
Illinois slip and fall victims are generally entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate you for financial losses that can be proven with documentation.
These may include:
- Medical bills
- Hospital stays
- Surgery costs
- Physical therapy
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages address the personal and emotional impact of a slip and fall accident. You may be able to recover money for your:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inconvenience
- Permanent scarring or disability
Illinois does not impose statutory caps on non-economic damages in most premises liability cases.
Your Compensation May Be Reduced if You Shared Fault
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule for cases involving more than one at-fault party. Under this law, you may still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for your slip and fall, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, in such cases, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault because you were distracted when you fell, your total damages award would be reduced by 20%. If you are found more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from recovering any compensation in court.
An Attorney Can Help You Calculate and Pursue Full Damages
Calculating the true value of a slip and fall case requires careful analysis of both current and future losses. An experienced Illinois slip and fall attorney can evaluate your losses and consult with medical and financial experts when necessary. They can also push back against insurance tactics designed to undervalue your claim.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, contact a knowledgeable slip and fall attorney for help understanding what your case may be worth. Feagans Law Group offers free consultations to help you understand your rights.