Fractures, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries are among the seven most common slip and fall injuries. Understanding the injuries commonly suffered in slip and fall accidents could help you prevent a fall or recover appropriate compensation after a fall injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of five falls causes a serious injury. Injuries are especially common among seniors, who are at an increased risk of falling and are often more likely to suffer injuries when they fall. However, preventable hazards cause falls and injuries in all ages.
If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, you might be able to recover compensation with the guidance of our personal injury attorneys.
- Common Injuries Suffered in a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident
- Common Fall Hazards Causing Slips, Trips, and Falls From Heights
- Fall Victims Have Rights to Hold Property Owners Liable
- How a Slip and Fall Attorney From Our Firm Will Handle Your Case
- Discuss Your Slip and Fall Injury Case With Our Attorneys Today
Common Injuries Suffered in a Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident
Many people consider falls to be relatively minor accidents. Thankfully, this is usually true. However, some people suffer serious or even catastrophic injuries in a fall. Some of the most common slip and fall injuries include:
Cuts and Abrasions
Cuts, scrapes, and bruises usually do not require emergency medical treatment and are very common fall injuries. A quick cleaning and bandaging of the wound are usually enough to prevent infection and allow it to heal. However, cuts and abrasions are sometimes serious. They could require stitches or cause complications such as systemic infections.
Fractures (a/k/a “broken bones”)
Broken bones commonly occur because of falls. Victims break wrists and arms trying to catch themselves or break an ankle tripping over a hazard. Broken bones require medical attention. If a broken bone injury is suspected, a trip to an emergency department or urgent care/walk-in clinic for X-rays and initial diagnosis is in order, followed by a consultation with an orthopedic doctor.
Broken Hips
Among senior citizens, hip fractures are common fall injuries. When a senior falls sideways and lands on their hip, a broken bone is likely. More than 95 percent of all hip fractures are caused by falling, the CDC reports. Frequently, surgical repair is necessary and in some cases, a hip replacement is called for. This type of injury sometimes leads to loss of mobility and independence for seniors.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Torn ligaments and tendons, sprains, and strains are common in falls. These injuries to the soft tissues often affect joints such as the ankles, knees, and wrists. Ankle sprains and torn ligaments in the knee (ACL, LCL, MCL, and/or PCL) are especially common. Although these may not seem to be as serious as fractures, this is not always the case. Some fractures heal without complication and some soft tissue injuries can be debilitating and can even turn into chronic sources of impairment.
Head Injuries
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), according to a study published in Academic Emergency Medicine. You are probably familiar with concussions, a mild type of TBI. Head and brain injuries occur when the person falls and hits their head on the ground, furniture, or another object. Head injuries can be as mild as a bump that resolves fairly quickly or as severe as a devastating injury that affects cognitive function and has devastating consequences.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries are possible in falls. While this is more common when someone falls from an elevated height, it also occurs in slips and trips. Spinal injuries could cause paralysis, but often they cause chronic pain because of a slipped disc or similar injury.
Internal Injuries
Internal bruising and bleeding could occur because of a fall. When internal organs or structures suffer damage, they could cause internal bleeding, organ malfunction, or other issues. Sometimes these injuries are not apparent immediately. If you have significant bruising on your torso following a fall, you should consult your doctor to rule out internal bleeding.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-932-0400
Common Fall Hazards Causing Slips, Trips, and Falls From Heights
Many falls occur because of preventable hazards. Some common fall hazards include:
- Spills or leaks
- Weather hazards such as tracked rain or snow
- Loose, rolled, or torn rugs, mats, or carpets
- Broken tiles
- Poor cleaning techniques
- Poor lighting
- Unmarked steps
- Clutter in the walkway
- Cables or cords in the walkway
- Uneven surfaces
- Potholes, holes in the grass, and other similar concerns
- Uneven stairs
- Missing or loose handrails
Fall Victims Have Rights to Hold Property Owners Liable
Property owners have a duty of care to keep guests safe. This applies to private homes, restaurants, stores, offices, theaters, arenas, and public buildings. If you suffered injuries in a fall because of a preventable hazard, you could have a case for a payout. To recover compensation, you must show:
- The accused party owed you a duty of care as the property owner or occupier
- They knew about or should have known about the hazard
- The hazard caused your fall
- You suffered financial, physical, and/or psychological damages
Many fall victims recover compensation through a negotiated settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. Not all cases require suing the liable party and taking them to trial. However, this is possible when necessary.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
How a Slip and Fall Attorney From Our Firm Will Handle Your Case
Working with a slip-and-fall attorney allows you to develop a compelling case to recover compensation while also focusing on healing and returning to your usual activities. When you let our slip-and-fall lawyer handle your case, they will:
- Provide you with regular updates on your case
- Identify the potentially liable parties
- Manage all communication about the case with all involved parties
- Gather evidence to document what happened
- Determine a value for your case
- Fight relentlessly to win the best possible case outcome for you
Your personal injury lawyer should demand compensation based on your case facts, available insurance coverage, and recoverable damages. Most go to work with no upfront fees and are paid on a contingency fee basis.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Discuss Your Slip and Fall Injury Case With Our Attorneys Today
At Friedman & Simon, L.L.P., our attorneys are passionate advocates for the injured. We represent fall victims and provide free initial consultations. Our team meets potential clients on Long Island or elsewhere in the New York metropolitan area and we have a multilingual staff (Spanish, Greek, Bengali, Tamil, and Kannada) who will discuss your case in a language you are comfortable with.
Call now for a free consultation or use our online contact form. We will provide legal advice and explain what to expect throughout your personal injury claim.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form