Whether you’re out on a shopping spree or visiting a family member in their home, slip-and-fall accidents can happen just about anywhere and at any time.
Regardless of how or why you managed to slip or fall, feeling your body suddenly and unexpectedly hitting the ground could cause various traumatic injuries.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has been involved in a slip-and-fall accident as a result of a third party, you may be entitled to some compensation. If you live in Manhattan, you should consult a Manhattan slip and fall attorney to get the compensation you deserve.
That being said, here are 5 of the most common injuries sustained in these types of accidents.
1. Neck Injuries
Victims of a slip and fall accident can easily injure the neck. This usually occurs due to spinal cord damage or tearing to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons found in the neck.
You might be familiar with “whiplash” which refers to a condition where the soft tissue in the neck and the upper spinal cord receive quite a bit of damage due to a sudden and abrupt movement – like in an unexpected slip and fall.
These sorts of soft tissue injuries aren't visible which makes them pretty difficult to diagnose and prove in any type of lawsuit. So much so that you may not even realize that you’ve received one of these injuries until days or weeks after the fall!
2. Broken Bones
The circumstances of a slip-and-fall accident can easily result in broken bones. Although the elderly are especially susceptible to bone breaks in a fall, such as a hip or a limb, anyone can suffer from a broken bone.
Broken bones can range anywhere from a small fracture to a devastating break that must be corrected with surgery. In worst-case scenarios, the surrounding tissue might also need some therapy to limit chronic pain.
Unfortunately, broken bones can sometimes also cause extensive bleeding. Because of the swelling in the first 12 hours after the injury, the break can be far more difficult to treat, meaning medical intervention is vital for a full recovery.
3. Head Injuries
Regardless of how “okay” you are after suffering a head injury, you must seek immediate medical care. Even those head injuries that look minor might require a trip to the emergency room!
If you have a minor concussion then this will usually clear up by itself within a matter of hours. More serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause permanent damage to the brain, with a direct impact on your day-to-day functioning.
It’s important to remember that head injuries cannot be diagnosed solely based on symptoms. Even the worst head injuries will show minimal symptoms at first glance!
A general rule of thumb is as follows: if you noticed bleeding, swelling, and a loss of consciousness, seeking medical care is a priority.
4. Damaged Extremities
If you’re involved in a slip-and-fall accident, your hands and feet are more likely to come into direct contact with the ground or other hard surfaces. Leg, wrist, and arm abrasions are as common as wounds to the hips and head.
You might also experience bruises or swelling in these areas. The cuts and abrasions obtained by a slip and fall accident can look quite severe but are often less extensive than other injuries. As a result, they may only require superficial treatment.
But if the impact is sufficient enough, you may experience more serious injuries, such as broken fingers, ankle damage, and sprained or fractured wrists.
These can sometimes interfere with your daily activities like cooking, typing, writing, or putting on clothing.
5. Spinal Cord Injuries
These types of injuries occur when the spinal cord has been either compressed or completely severed.
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified as either “complete” or “incomplete.” The final label depends on the overall extent of the damage caused to the spinal cord.
Common spinal cord injuries sustained from a slip-and-fall accident include pinched nerves, slipped or herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae. However, many other extremely painful injuries may be sustained.
In nearly every situation a spinal cord injury can be life-threatening, meaning it needs instant medical attention and ongoing therapy to treat. Some of these injuries may even result in partial paralysis.
Summary
These are the most common injuries sustained from slip and fall accidents. If you’ve suffered any of these injuries as a result of a slip and fall accident, make sure to seek medical attention and legal counsel as soon as possible!
