10 Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents account for many personal injury cases throughout Indiana and the country. The term slip and fall might not conjure an image of severe injury, but the potential for serious injuries certainly exists. In fact, according to the National Floor Safety Institute, slips and falls account for roughly one million emergency room visits each year—or approximately 12% of all falls. The elderly population is especially at risk of slip and fall injuries. No matter your age or the circumstances, if you are the victim of a slip and fall accident, you should seek legal advice immediately. Contact Gerling Law Injury Attorneys anytime to discuss your accident and injury in more depth. We are always happy to answer any questions you might have.
Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to a wide range of different injuries. However, some injuries are more common than others. Below are 10 common slip and fall injury types.
Broken Bones
Perhaps, the injury most people think of when they hear “slip and fall” are broken bones. It is not hard to imagine broken bones from a fall. The force of falling to the ground can be enough to cause a bone to break. Depending on the location and type of break, a broken bone can be a severe injury, potentially requiring surgery and extensive physical therapy.
Concussions
Concussions are another very common slip-and-fall injury. If the victim’s head comes into contact with an object during the fall or if it strikes the ground, it can result in a minor to severe concussion. Mild to moderate concussions usually exhibit symptoms such as headache, “brain fog,” confusion, dizziness, and nausea. Concussions can occur with or without loss of consciousness.
Other Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
A concussion is generally considered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, several other types of TBIs can be severe and life-altering. TBIs can be relatively mild or as significant as hematomas and skull fractures. If a TBI is severe enough, it could negatively affect the rest of a victim’s life and leave them with seizures and a loss of brain function.
Spinal Cord Injuries
It is probably no surprise that spinal cord injuries are among the worst that can occur during a slip-and-fall accident. Spinal cord injuries can range from fractured vertebrae, slipped and herniated discs, pinched nerves, spinal cord separation, and more. Severe spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. The worst spinal cord injuries are debilitating and devastating—completely changing your life in an instant. If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury from a slip and fall, you must seek immediate representation by an experienced accident attorney.
Shoulder and Neck Injuries
Shoulder and neck injuries are common following a slip-and-fall incident. This is typically due to the fact that it is a natural reaction to try and catch yourself as you fall. You can get a neck or shoulder injury from holding your hands out and landing in a way that jams up your shoulder or neck region. Neck and shoulder injuries can occur within the bone or soft tissue and can result in minor sprains, nerve injuries, dislocation, or ligament tears. These slip-and-fall injuries can be excruciating and challenging to treat.
Cuts, Lacerations, and Scrapes
While a cut or laceration is generally not life-threatening or as severe as a spinal cord or brain injury, it can require immediate and long-term attention. If you slip and fall onto debris or glass, it can lead to extensive cuts that may need cleaning, debridement, and sutures. Depending on the location and severity of the laceration, it may require intensive scar treatment long after the initial cut has healed. If you suffered a slip and fall and ended up with severe cuts or lacerations, contact Gerling Law. You may be entitled to additional compensation for disfigurement and scarring.
Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Injuries
It is common to experience elbow, wrist, and hand injuries from a slip and fall as you attempt to catch or brace yourself before impact to the ground. Not only could you end up with a break or sprain, but it is common to endure soft tissue or nerve injuries in the elbow, wrist, or hands. These can range from minor injuries that merely require ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain meds to severe injuries that require surgery and therapy.
Knee Injuries
Not everyone “catches” themselves with their hands or arms during a slip and fall. Sometimes people land on their knee, breaking or dislocating their patella (knee cap). Other times, the twist as you fall can cause torn ligaments such as your MCL or ACL. A knee injury can significantly impact your life.
Hip Fractures
Hip fractures are one of the most severe and painful breaks that you could experience from a slip and fall. Elderly individuals are at an exceptionally high risk of fracturing their hip due to a fall. They can require surgery, lengthy hospitalization, and physical therapy to heal fully after such a fracture.
Chronic Pain
With almost any injury, there is a risk of long-term chronic pain that persists despite medical intervention. Chronic pain can occur due to almost any injury from a slip and fall. It could affect your ability to work and your quality of life. Injuries often manifest over time, or you may think a wound is healed completely, but it is not. If you are living with persistent pain from injuries from slips, trips, and falls, it is time to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney about pursuing compensation.
Contact a Slip and Fall Injury Attorney
For over 50 years, Gerling Law has represented slip-and-fall victims throughout the tri-state area. We believe in putting our clients first, and we strive to do that every day. Our number one goal is to get accident victims like you the compensation they deserve. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced, tested, and successful. Let us put our knowledge and skills to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how to get compensation for common slip and fall injuries.
Gayle Gerling Pettinga
Born and raised in Evansville, Gayle is a respected, experienced lawyer and a valued community leader. She graduated near the top of her class at Indiana University’s prestigious Maurer School of Law. She’s practiced law with one of the largest firms in Indianapolis as well as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. And that means she knows how big law firms and big companies think and how they operate – and she will put that knowledge to work for you.
Gayle has received numerous awards and honors including Martindale-Hubbell — Peer Review Rated: AV®, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Attorneys in Indiana for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service, and YWCA Evansville 100 Years, 100 Women Honoree, 2011.
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