5 Common Types of Injuries in a Slip and Fall Case

Just like every other accident, slips and falls can occur when you least expect them. You can be out shopping, catching up with a friend in a restaurant, or mowing someone’s lawn. The moment you’re involved in a slip and fall accident, there’s a possibility that you may suffer serious injuries.

As a victim of a slip and fall accident, you should know what your next step of action is. Once you’ve received adequate medical care, you should contact a slip and fall attorney to find out what you should do next.

Consulting a lawyer in a slip and fall accident is crucial, as finding liability is pretty tricky. This is because the duty of care changes based on the parties involved in a slip and fall accident.

Here are 5 common injuries a victim of a slip and fall injury may suffer from.

Broken Bones

A person who slips and falls down has a good chance of breaking their bones. There is a statistic that says that about 5% of slip and fall accidents involve broken bones.

The elderly are prone to broken bones after a slip and fall accident. That aside, here is a list of all the parts that have a high probability of fracture.

1. Hips
2. Rib cage
3. Legs
4. Arms
5. Shoulders
6. Collarbone

Although some may get away with minor injuries, some broken bones have lifelong implications.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the worst types of injuries one can suffer after a slip and fall accident. There are reports that slip and fall accidents are responsible for 32% of spinal cord injuries.

Consider visiting an attorney if you have had a slip and fall accident and suffer from any of the following symptoms. Spinal cord injuries often fall under the catastrophic injury category, and you may be liable for compensation.

• Intense pain
• Weakness
• Numbing or tingling sensation
• Paralysis
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Loss of movement
• Pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back
• Walking issues

Injuries to the Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrists

In times of distress, the natural reaction of any human being is to brace for impact. This is the reason why a person’s shoulders, elbows, and wrists are prone to injuries in accidents, especially a slip and fall accident. Although these injuries have the probability of being severe, they can usually be cured by treatments like

• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation
• Surgery
• Extended rest
• Rehabilitation

The common injuries to the shoulder, elbow, and wrist that a victim of a slip and fall accident can suffer from are:

• Shoulder
  • Fractured/Broken Bones
  • Separations
  • Dislocation
  • Impingement
  • Rotator Cuff Tears
• Elbow
  • Joint Dislocation
  • Fracture of the humerus, ulna, or radius bones
  • Ligament/soft tissue damage
  • Pinched Nerves
  • Muscle Weakness
• Wrists
  • Stiffness
  • Loss of motor controls
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Circulation problems
  • Bent wrist

Cuts and Lacerations

These types of injuries usually happen when the victim falls on debris, sharp metal, broken glass, or other similar types of objects with jagged edges. Cuts and lacerations are seldom dangerous, but they have the potential to cause life-threatening injuries. For instance, when sharp objects penetrate the skin or flesh, there is a possibility of damage to the muscle, skin, and other soft tissues underneath. Usually, cuts and lacerations need sutures to heal.

Concussions

A concussion occurs when an individual’s head collides with the ground or other hard surfaces. A bump aside, a person’s head being shaken violently can cause a concussion as well. The following are the symptoms of a concussion.

• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Chances of unconsciousness
• Trouble sleeping
• Vomiting

Although not a comprehensive list, this article describes the 5 common types of injuries an individual might suffer from after a slip and fall accident.

You should be cautious of your surroundings when you head out. Yes, the owner of the property has a duty of care for their visitors. As a responsible individual, it is also your duty to lookout for harmful elements and avoid them.

If you were involved in a slip and fall accident, you may be liable for compensation. Contact an experienced attorney in your area to initiate legal recourse.