Injuries That Arise From Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are a common type of accident that can happen in the workplace and on public and private premises. Most slip-and-fall accidents result in minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises. However, some slip and fall injuries can cause serious and life-threatening injuries. Here are some of the common injuries that arise from a slip and fall accident.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries often occur when you hit your back on the ground or on an object on your way down. The injuries can also occur if you twist your torso or back during the fall. This can cause muscle tears or strains, herniated discs, and broken vertebrae. You might also experience chronic pain and even paralysis.

Head Injuries

Head injuries occur if you hit your head against the floor or an object when falling down. These injuries can also happen if you violently jolt or jar your head during a fall. You need to seek immediate medical attention since head injuries may not be immediately apparent and may appear after a day or two. 

Common symptoms of head injuries include sudden headaches, nausea, dizziness, and loss of balance. Other more serious injuries include traumatic brain injuries and concussions. If you don't get immediate medical attention, you might have neurological conditions, strokes, memory issues, and changes in personality.

Knee Injuries

The knee is a complex tissue that includes ligaments and bones. Slip and fall accidents can cause dislocations, tears, sprains, and fractures on your knee. These injuries take a long time to heal, but you should get immediate medical attention.

Severe Lacerations and Cuts

Sharp metals, broken glass, and debris can lead to lacerations and severe cuts. These are serious injuries that require sutures or stitches to heal. If the cuts are deep enough, they will cause damage to the muscles and nerves.

Wrist, Elbow, and Shoulder Injuries

Most people's natural reaction during a fall is to try and protect their heads by using their hands. While this can protect your hands, it can lead to wrist and elbow injuries. For example, soft tissues and nerves in the shoulders can become injured. The treatment can range from rehabilitation therapy to compression and rest.

Neck Injuries

A slip and fall accident can cause damage and injuries to the part of your spine above the shoulders. This results in nerve damage or fractures of the bones in the spinal column. If the damage is severe, you might suffer from a permanent or temporary disability. You can also be paralyzed.

Neck injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Broken Digits

Slip and fall injuries can injure and break your fingers and toes. For example, your fingers can break if you try to grab yourself as you fall. The toes can also stub into objects during the fall. 

Injured fingers and nails may not look like a serious injury, but this can reduce your ability to perform daily tasks. For example, you might be unable to walk until you recover fully. Other effects include the inability to write, type, drive, or hold anything. You will also experience severe discomfort and pain due to these injuries. 

Nerve Damage

The forceful or stretching impact can damage your nerves and cause severe injury. For example, a slip and fall accident can cause cutting, crashing, compressing, and stretching of the nerves. Damage typically happens to the nerves that are nearest the body surface. The result is shooting or sharp pain, tingling, numbness in the injured area, and muscle weakness.

Slip and fall injuries can interfere with your life and result in costly medical expenses. You could get compensation if another party were responsible for the slip and fall accident. Stawicki Anderson & Sinclair can guide you through the entire slip and fall injury claim process. Contact us to get compensation.