What you’ll learn from this article:
- There are many types of slip and fall injuries that can happen.
- Learn about some of the more common injuries that can result from slips and falls.
- Understand when you may be owed compensation for a slip and fall injury.
While many of us know to be extra cautious when walking outside in icy conditions, injuries caused by slipping and falling are a surprisingly common incident all year long. Bodily injury due to slips and falls is the cause of over a million emergency room visits every year. These accidents are also a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
While there are many causes of slip and fall injuries, some of the common culprits are icy or slick sidewalks, built-up snow around driveways and walkways, wet floors inside businesses, and uneven flooring. Falls can be deceptive and cause more harm than is immediately noticed. Knowing which injuries are common can help you determine what slip and fall injury symptoms to look out for and when to see a medical professional after a slip.
This article offers an understanding of the types of injuries that may occur after a slip and fall, as well as information about how to seek compensation for your medical care.
What Injuries May Result From a Slip and Fall Incident?
Bodily injuries due to a slip and fall can range from relatively minor to severe. Anytime you fall, if possible, you should try to assess your body before attempting to stand up. If you have sharp pains anywhere or are unable to move a specific body part, seek assistance from someone nearby instead of attempting to stand and walk.
Cuts, Abrasions, and Bruises
When you fall, your body will hit the ground at a heightened speed. This will likely cause soft tissue damage such as bruising, but in some cases, this can be more severe. If you hit any objects when you fall, this can lead to deeper cuts or abrasions where the skin is scraped. Bundling up in winter, such as wearing long pants, sweaters, and gloves, will often help to minimize cuts and scrapes. If a cut appears deeper, has debris in the wound, or you have difficulty staunching the bleeding, you should seek medical attention for the cut as you may need stitches or proper cleaning.
Fractures
Landing in just the wrong way can often result in a broken bone. Broken bones are not only painful but also, when not properly treated, can result in lifelong issues. Some signs of a fracture can include bruising around the area where the bone is broken, deformities such as the limb appearing angled, pain, and the inability to move the limb or appendage where the break has occurred. In more severe breaks, the bone may even protrude through the skin.
Facial Fractures
In addition to broken bones in the lower body, it is essential to look out for facial fractures caused by falls. These can include a broken nose, cheek fracture, or a fracture along the eye socket. Some of these breaks can be overlooked, if medical attention is not sought, and can lead to complications such as a deviated septum or disfigurement.
Whiplash and Spinal Cord Injuries
The jerking and quick motion of a fall can result in whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and neck sprains, similar to what you might suffer in a car accident. Symptoms of this can include tenderness and swelling along the neck and upper shoulders, restricted movement, and headaches. Over time, the friction caused by this type of injury can lead to permanent spinal damage so it’s essential to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms after a fall.
Head and Brain Injuries
Any injury to the head, no matter how severe, is cause to be cautious. Bumps to the head can lead to fractures of the skull, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and, in severe cases, hemorrhaging. If you hit your head during your fall, you should always seek prompt medical attention.
Get the Compensation You Deserve.
If you have a slip and fall injury, depending on the cause, you may be eligible for compensation for a personal injury. When a business does not properly clear their sidewalks of snow, or sand/salt for ice, they may be liable for any damages suffered by a pedestrian who slips and falls on that patch of sidewalk. Likewise, if a business has wet flooring, whether from cleaning or from snow melt, then that may also make them liable if you slip and fall inside the premises.
McCoy and Sparks: Kentucky Personal Injury Lawyers
Slip and fall injuries can have a major impact on your life, from pain caused by the injury to medical bills and loss of wages from missed work. Our team of expert lawyers at McCoy & Sparks is here to help you seek compensation for your injury.
We’ve served people throughout the great state of Kentucky for over a decade. We can discuss your potential case, as well as options for recovering medical costs. We want to help you feel empowered to seek the compensation you are due.
If you do not receive compensation for your injury, you will owe McCoy and Sparks nothing. That’s our guarantee. Schedule your FREE consultation today. Call 844-459-9467 or fill out our online form.