What Types of Injuries Can Result From a Slip and Fall Accident?
You were climbing up icy steps when you slipped and fell. You exited your vehicle in a parking lot and tripped over a pothole. You were grocery shopping when you slipped on spilled milk in the dairy aisle.
Slips, trips, and falls happen all the time. When they happen in your home due to your own clumsiness, there’s not much you can do about it. However, when someone else’s negligence is involved, you can take legal action. By proving negligence, you can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
A slip and fall can cause you to suffer a wide range of injuries. These range from bruises to broken bones to head injuries and even death. Here are some common injuries to be aware of.
Fractures
Broken bones are common because when someone falls, they often land awkwardly and try to catch themselves. Wrists, arms, and hips are particularly vulnerable to fractures. Of all fractures caused by falls, hip fractures are the most serious. They cause the most complications and deaths, especially for the elderly.
Knee Injuries
A fall can twist the knee or damage ligaments or the meniscus. Knee injuries can be debilitating, as they may affect the ability to walk or stand. Surgery and rehabilitation may be necessary for recovery.
Head Injuries
When someone hits their head during a fall, it can lead to concussions or traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory issues, or even loss of consciousness. In more severe cases, traumatic brain injuries can lead to permanent cognitive impairments or disability.
Back and Spinal Injuries
Falls can cause damage to the vertebrae, spinal discs, or spinal cord. Common injuries include herniated discs, fractures, or nerve compression. These injuries can cause chronic pain, numbness, or limited mobility. Severe spinal injuries may result in paralysis.
Dislocated Shoulders
When falling unexpectedly, it’s common to land on your shoulder. This can cause your shoulder to become dislocated, which is when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder blade socket. Because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, it is susceptible to dislocation when a person slips and falls.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains involve stretched or torn ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons. In slip and fall accidents, people often twist their ankle or wrist trying to catch themselves, resulting in these soft tissue injuries. Although they may seem minor, sprains and strains can be painful and require physical therapy. If not treated promptly, they can even lead to mobility issues.
Contact Us Today
Slips and falls are not funny events. They are serious accidents that can cause broken bones, catastrophic injuries, and even death.
A Charleston slip and fall attorney from Wyndham Law Firm, LLC can assist you with your case and ensure you get full and fair compensation. If you’ve suffered an injury from a slip and fall accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, get the medical attention you need. Then call us at (843) 279-5312.