4 Serious Injuries Slip and Fall Accident Victims are Vulnerable to

According to reports, more than a million people require emergency room admissions because of slip and fall accidents in the country. This is approximately two thousand people every day. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), fall accidents result in serious injuries.

These accidents can happen in public places, at work, or on private property. Either way, after a slip and fall accident, it is important to get immediate medical attention and contact an attorney, especially if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, like wet floors or poor lighting.

In this article, we will discuss four injuries that victims of slip and fall are very vulnerable to.

1. Head Injuries

When you slip and fall, there is the risk of hitting your head against a very hard surface. This can lead to a concussion or, in some cases, a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even a minor hit on the head can cause issues like:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Memory loss or problems
• Difficulty concentrating

For more severe TBIs, victims may suffer long-term cognitive impairment, mood changes, and loss of motor function. Some symptoms may not appear immediately. Hence, it is essential for anyone who suffers a head injury to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

When the spinal cord is injured, it can affect a person’s mobility, sensation, and how other organs function. A slip-and-fall accident can cause serious damage, leading to partial or complete paralysis.

Sometimes, victims end up suffering from chronic pain even years later. There is also the risk of reduced movement and lifelong disabilities.

Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and even surgeries. In cases where victims are unable to walk, they need therapy as they try to cope with their new life.

3. Fractures

Fractures are another common outcome of slip and fall accidents, especially in older adults and children whose bones are more fragile. The most frequently broken bones include:

• Hips - these fractures can be very severe and sometimes require surgery and rehabilitation. Many elderly adults never fully recover from a broken hip.

• Wrists and arms — when falling, our natural instinct tells us to try and catch ourselves or stop the fall, which can lead to broken wrists and arms.

• Ankles and legs — slipping and falling on an uneven surface can cause a twisted or broken ankle, making mobility very difficult.

Broken bones take months to heal and may lead to more complications, such as infections or permanently losing function.

4. Soft Tissue Injuries

These are the type of injury that may not be immediately visible. Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can cause so much pain and mobility issues. These injuries happen as a result of your muscles, tendons, or ligaments being overstretched during a fall.

Common types of soft tissue injuries include:

• Sprained ankles

• Torn knee ligaments such as ACL injuries

• Lower back strains

Even though soft tissue injuries may not look as severe as broken bones or spinal cord injuries, they can still lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and some difficulty moving. Without proper treatment, such as physical therapy, these injuries can lead to long-term discomfort and reduced quality of life.

Conclusion

These are just some of the devastating injuries a person can suffer. If you or your loved one has suffered a slip and fall because of hazardous conditions, your first priority should be getting medical attention. Also, remember to consult a lawyer who will help you recover compensation for all the medical expenses.