What Injuries Can You Get from a Slip & Fall?

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What Injuries Can You Get from a Slip & Fall?

Slip and falls happen more commonly than we might think. In fact, they account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits. In addition, they are also the leading cause of such visits, representing 21.3% of them.

Unfortunately, slip and falls are especially prominent among the elderly, with about 67% of fall fatalities occurring in people aged 75 years or older. These accidents can have dangerous outcomes with fatal consequences. If you’re wondering what injuries you or your loved ones could sustain from a slip and fall, keep reading to find out.

Common Slip & Fall Causes

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), slips and falls can occur from the following:

  • Spills
  • Ice
  • Snow
  • Rain
  • Rugs
  • Loose mats
  • Stepladders
  • Poor lighting
  • Clutter

There are countless scenarios that could cause someone to lose their balance and fall. If you or a loved one has experienced a slip and fall, it's crucial to take the necessary precautions and seek medical attention. This is especially important if the person who has fallen is older, as injuries can be more severe and recovery time may be longer.

Slip & Fall Injuries

Broken Bones

Slip and falls can be especially dangerous for the elderly population due to the increased likelihood of broken bones. The force and pressure of the fall can cause bone fractures in various parts of the body.

Commonly affected areas include:

  • Hips
  • Wrists
  • Legs
  • Ribs
  • Arms
  • Ankles

Furthermore, the CDC notes that one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones. It's crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a fall, as broken bones can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and other health complications.

Head Injuries

Slips and falls are common accidents that can lead to head injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions. MayoClinic notes that sometimes the signs of a concussion are subtle and may not show up immediately, which is why it's crucial to be alert and seek medical attention after a fall or injury.

While some TBIs may be less severe than others, it's still important to take them seriously and get necessary care as soon as possible.

Facial Injuries

Injuries to the face can often be the result of slip and fall accidents, leading to severe cuts, broken teeth and jaw fractures, nose fractures, and eye injuries.

Other injuries to the face can include:

While some of these injuries may heal over time, others can leave permanent facial scars.

Cuts & Lacerations

Slipping and falling on debris, broken glass, sharp metal, and other dangerous objects can be a painful and dangerous experience. These injuries can cause severe cuts and lacerations that may require stitches, staples, medication, ointment, surgery, etc. to properly heal.

Unfortunately for some, these scars may remain permanent and serve as a reminder of the experience. It's important to note that these injuries don't just affect the surface of the skin; they can also cause damage to the nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues beneath the surface.

Back Injuries

Slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence, and they can happen to anyone at any time. While some people may walk away from these accidents with only minor injuries, others may experience more serious and long-lasting issues, particularly on their backs.

Types of back injuries can include:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Herniated discs
  • Fractures

Back injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents can vary greatly in their severity and nature, but they can all have a significant impact on a person's quality of life.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a serious issue that can result from a slip and fall accident. Although not a separate injury in itself, chronic pain can have debilitating consequences and make it difficult for victims to live their lives. According to Cleveland Clinic, chronic pain can persist even after the initial injury has fully healed. This means that a seemingly minor injury, like a sprain or a broken bone, can lead to long-term discomfort and suffering.

Those who have suffered slip and fall accidents can experience chronic pain that prevents them from working, enjoying time with their families, and participating in everyday activities.

Don’t Suffer Alone If You’ve Been Hurt

Slip and fall accidents can be quite devastating, leading to a variety of injuries that could impact your health, income, and lifestyle. When such accidents happen due to a property owner's carelessness or negligence, they can be held accountable for the damages caused.

At Jetton & Meredith, PLLC, our slip and fall attorneys understand the complexity of such cases and are ready to assist you in identifying what compensation you could be entitled to. With our legal guidance, you can rest assured that we’ll pursue the justice you deserve.

Contact us at (704) 931-5535 or reach out to us online to learn more.

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