4 Injuries That Can Be Caused by a Slip and Fall Accident (and What You Can Do to Assist Your Recovery)

Each year, an estimated 1 million emergency room visits in the US are caused by slip-fall accidents according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). While they can happen anywhere, most of these accidents occur at the workplace, in public places, in commercial buildings, and even on private property.

The sad part is that they can lead to various types of injuries, which can range from minor to severe and potentially fatal. This piece highlights some common injuries in slip and fall accidents, alongside things you can do to aid your recovery if you fall victim. 

Possible Injuries in a Slip and Fall Accident 

From uneven surfaces to floor spills, improper footwear, poor weather, and clutter, several factors can contribute to a slip and fall accident. 

Below are some of the many possible injuries in these accidents.

1. Sprains and Fractures 

A slip-and-fall accident can affect just about any part of your body causing minor to serious sprains and fractures. The arms and the wrists, for instance, are highly likely to take a beating as you autonomously try to rescue yourself on your way down. 

Depending on the nature of the fall, one may also suffer fractures and sprains on parts of the body like elbows, knees, shoulders, and even the neck or spinal cord.

2. Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are by far the most common injuries in slip and fall accidents. They are also the most dangerous kind and can be extremely expensive to treat. Especially among seniors and older adults, hip fractures may end up leaving the victim in a nursing home due to disability.

3. Concussions 

If the victim’s head bumps into the ground or a blunt object during the fall, a concussion could result. With or without loss of consciousness, concussions usually present symptoms like headache, dizziness, confusion, ringing ears, and nausea, among others.

4. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) 

Also known as head trauma, TBI could occur when the victim’s head takes an enormous blow from the impact of the fall. It’s one of the most serious injuries and may take months if not years to treat through medical and physical rehabilitation.

A TBI can have life-altering effects on the victim, especially since it affects the individual’s cognitive, emotional, sensational, and motor functions.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident 

Seek Medical Attention ASAP

When you or someone you know has been involved in a slip-and-fall accident, one of the first and most important things to do is to call 911 or seek medical attention as fast as you can. The medics will examine you for any injuries and document medical records in case you need them later. Depending on the injuries sustained, it may be that you require medical care on a more long-term basis. Thankfully, there are many options now available to you; from daily care from support workers in your own home to assisted living facilities, there is care to suit all needs. Care workers looking at becoming a registered NDIS provider can find some useful tips here.

Report the Incident 

Whether it happened at work, in a commercial establishment, or on someone else’s property, make sure to report the accident as soon as possible to the appropriate authority (supervisor, manager, landlord, or owner). It’s also wise to ask for a written report of the incident if you can, or jot down a few details about it, like how the scene looked, names of witnesses if any, time, date, etc. This information will be extremely important if and when you take the next step after sustaining a fall injury: filing a claim and, if necessary, hiring a lawyer. 

Sue for Compensation to Cover Medical Costs and Lost Earnings

Like many accidents, slip and fall accidents can bring a sheer amount of pain, agony, and torment to the victim as well as their loved ones. According to the injury attorneys from Wieand Law Firm in Philadelphia, about 1 in 5 falls (result in serious injuries) like head trauma and TBI.

These injuries are also among the most expensive medical conditions to treat and can be extremely tough to recover from. Working with an experienced slip and fall lawyer can help you establish negligence and sue for compensation so you can recover damages like:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Medical bills and care costs
• Lost earnings
• Disability

While accidents do happen, suffering injuries because of someone else’s negligence is not an easy thing to process. However, your recovery journey can be a little easier if you know how and where to seek help.