Top 5 Injuries Resulting From Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can and do happen just about anywhere from grocery stores and restaurants to parks and government buildings. Wherever they occur, slip and fall accidents can cause severe injuries, some of which could end up resulting in hefty medical treatment bills and even long-term care costs for permanent disability. Fortunately, accident victims can often recover compensation for these losses by seeking reimbursement from the negligent property owner who was responsible for them.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Some of the most common injuries sustained by slip and fall accident victims are soft tissue injuries. These injuries, which include sprains, strains, and contusions happen when the ligaments, tendons, and muscles are overextended or even torn. Fortunately, these injuries can often be treated with rest, which allows the injured area to heal, as well as ice and elevation, which can reduce swelling. Compression with bandages can then be used to provide support. In severe cases, however, treatment may require physical therapy and even surgical intervention to restore functionality.
Cuts and Abrasions
Accident victims who slip and fall could also end up suffering abrasions and cuts, which can range in severity from minor cuts that only require first aid to deep wounds that necessitate more intensive medical attention, like stitches or staples. Unfortunately, even when treated, these injuries can cause significant scarring and sometimes more severe problems, like muscular weakness and limited mobility.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are some of the most common injuries sustained by slip and fall accident victims. When someone lands with force on a certain part of the body, the bones are often unable to withstand the impact, leading to potential fractures. Although any area of the body could be injured in such a way, the wrists, arms, ankles, and hips often prove the most susceptible to injury, as they strike the floor first. How these injuries are treated depends on the location and severity of the fracture, but common forms of treatment include casting, splinting, and even surgery to realign and stabilize the bone.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Slip and fall accidents can also result in head trauma and TBIs when a person’s head makes contact with the floor. These injuries can range in severity from mild to severe, with the more serious TBIs potentially causing permanent brain damage and other long-term consequences. Diagnosing a head injury is usually achieved via medical evaluation, X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Eventual treatment could involve hospitalization, medications to manage symptoms, and even surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.
Let Our Family Work for Yours
Slip and fall accidents can cause significant injuries, some of which can lead to long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Anderson & Anderson, our experienced Tampa slip and fall lawyers and dedicated support staff are here to help you contend with these repercussions by seeking compensation for your losses. Call our office at 813-251-0072 or send us an online message to set up a meeting with our legal team today.
Sources:
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/fractures#
cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/index.html