Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Slips and falls can happen in a blink of an eye, but they need to be taken seriously. A person can suffer serious injuries that require rehabilitation, surgery, and other treatments.

It’s important to understand common injuries so you can get them treated promptly. Here’s a look at some of them.

Sprains and Strains

When someone slips and falls, the body often reacts instinctively by twisting or reaching out to break the fall. This sudden movement can overstretch or tear ligaments and muscles, resulting in sprains (ligament injuries) or strains (muscle or tendon injuries). Ankles, knees, and wrists are especially vulnerable.

Fractures

Falls frequently lead to broken bones, particularly in the arms, wrists, hips, and ankles. These injuries happen when someone lands on a hard surface or braces their fall with an outstretched arm. Fractures range from simple cracks to compound breaks requiring surgery. Older adults are especially at risk due to lower bone density.

Head Injuries

If a person strikes their head during a fall, the consequences can be serious. Even a mild bump can lead to a concussion, which may cause symptoms like headaches, confusion, dizziness, or nausea. In more severe cases, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur, potentially leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are a common result of slip and fall accidents, and they can range from mild to severe depending on the nature of the fall and the way the knee twists or impacts the ground. Common injuries include ligament and meniscus tears, broken kneecaps, patellar fractures, dislocations, and tendon injuries.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

A hard impact from a fall can injure the vertebrae or discs in the spine. This may result in herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or nerve damage. In the most severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or full paralysis. Back injuries often cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and may require physical therapy, surgery, or long-term care.

Cuts and Bruises

While usually considered minor, cuts and bruises are among the most common outcomes of slip and fall accidents. These injuries may not seem serious at first, but deeper lacerations can require stitches or lead to infection. Bruises, particularly large or painful ones, may indicate underlying trauma such as muscle damage or internal bleeding and should not be ignored.

Hip Injuries

Hip fractures are a particularly serious concern for older adults and are a leading cause of fall-related hospitalizations. These injuries often require surgical intervention followed by a lengthy period of rehabilitation. Recovery can be difficult and may result in long-term mobility issues or loss of independence.

Contact Us Today

Falls can be embarrassing but they can also be very painful. A person can suffer broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and even fatality.

After a fall, you need to address your injuries promptly. A Mt. Juliet slip & fall lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can help you identify all potential avenues to compensation and accurately calculate the settlement you deserve. Schedule a consultation today by calling (615) 622-6060 or filling out the online form.

Source:

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