Injuries You May Sustain After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

A slip-and-fall accident can happen in the blink of an eye. In the United States alone, more than one million people visit the ER for slip-and-fall-related injuries. That is roughly 2,000 people a day. While many falls often result in a little embarrassment, others can lead to serious, life-altering injuries.

Some of the accidents could have been prevented, but because of someone’s negligence, a victim ends up getting injured. In such cases, hiring the best slip-and-fall accident lawyers will ensure that the at-fault party is held accountable and you receive a settlement.

Below are some of the injuries you can sustain after a slip-and-fall accident.

Head Injuries

A head injury is very frightening. What may seem like a small bump could lead to a concussion or a more serious traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you hit your head after a fall and feel off, get medical attention right away.

Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea might appear hours or even days after an injury. Early diagnosis can prevent complications like swelling or brain bleeding.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

When you land hard on your back after a slip-and-fall or twist awkwardly, the discs in your spine can herniate, or the vertebrae may fracture. Damaged spinal cords can cause anything from intense, long-term pain to complete paralysis.

Even if you feel only a mild back stiffness at first, it is still necessary to get checked for hidden damage. Physical therapy and, in serious cases, surgery may be needed to restore function and prevent permanent disability.

Broken Bones

When falling, your natural instinct will tell you to put out your hands to break a fall. Unfortunately, this often leads to fractures in the wrists, arms, or shoulders. Hips and ankles also bear a lot of impact when your full body weight slams down.

Older adults face a heightened risk of hip fractures, which require surgery and rehabilitation. If you feel sudden pain, can’t move your hand or leg, or notice swelling and bruising, get X-rays without delay.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Not all damage will show up on X-rays. Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments in joints like the knee or ankle can be just as painful and disabling. You may even experience swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving.

Using the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) can help in relieving pain early on. However, if lingering pain or instability still continues, it may be time to see a doctor.

Cuts and Bruises

Sometimes, a fall scrapes the skin or leaves a very nasty bruise. While these may look minor, deep cuts can lead to infections. Large bruises can be a sign of muscle or bone injury. Therefore, keep any wound clean and watch out for signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or pus. If a cut is deep or open, get stitches.

Factors That Influence the Severity of a Slip-and-Fall Injury

Several things affect how badly you will get hurt in a slip-and-fall. These include:

• Age and health. Older adults and those with conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis heal more slowly and have a greater risk of complications.
• Wet floors, loose rugs, cracked pavements, and uneven stairs increase the chances of a hard fall.
• How you land, whether it is on your hip, elbow, or back, can determine which injuries you sustain and how severe they are.

Conclusion

By understanding the common injuries and recognizing risk factors, you can seek medical help on time. Remember also to keep good records, as these will come in handy when filing a claim.