Slip and fall accidents are common and result in more than one million hospital visits each year. Some of these accidents result in only minor bruises or embarrassment. However, others can lead to severe injuries.
Victims often suffer from grave injuries like broken bones. These injuries usually require extensive and expensive medical care, not to mention considerable time off work. Note that these are losses most Californians can’t afford.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you should understand the common types of injuries that can occur.
At Westlake Injury Law, we understand the challenges you may face after a slip and fall accident. With more than ten years of experience, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. If you've sustained an injury, don't hesitate to contact us at (805) 338-6880 for a free consultation.
What’s a Slip and Fall Accident?
Let’s first understand what a slip and fall accident is. It happens when a person slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property. These accidents occur when you lose traction or stumble, and this causes a fall to the ground.
Slips and falls commonly occur when visitors fall after stepping on slick surfaces, unattended spills, broken steps, loose flooring, wet surfaces, clutter, or debris.
What Are the Most Prevalent Injuries From Slip & Fall Accidents?
Slips and falls can lead to various injuries, including head and back injuries. Some injuries can have long-lasting consequences.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These injuries include bruises, sprains, and bleeding and are common types of injuries following a slip and fall. Soft tissue injuries are not usually outwardly visible. This can make them difficult and tricky to prove in a lawsuit.
Here’s another complication. You may not even realize that you’ve sustained this injury until days, or several weeks, after the initial fall.
Arm and leg abrasions are also quite common. Soft tissue injuries tend to range from minor wrist and ankle sprains to severe tears in ligaments and tendons.
Broken Bones
The various forces involved in slip and fall accidents can easily lead to broken bones. Fractures and broken bones are common injuries after a slip and fall. Fractured hips are usually among the most dangerous kinds of breaks. This is because of the potential for severe complications.
These grave injuries can cause considerable pain and limit mobility, requiring extended recovery periods, care, and rehabilitation.
Head Injuries
A slip and fall can also result in traumatic head injuries. This includes concussions or more severe brain injuries. Also, even a seemingly minor head injury can turn into a medical emergency. Minor concussions typically clear up on their own.
However, more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may permanently impact your ability to function. You should not take head injuries lightly since they can have significant long-term effects.
Neck Injuries
Falling can also cause whiplash. This is a serious neck injury that happens when the head is suddenly jerked backward and forward. Whiplash can cause damage to your ligaments, muscles, and nerves in the neck.
Slip and Fall Injury Stats
Data published by the National Safety Council (NSC) and National Floor Safety Institute reveals that:
- Falls are amongst the leading causes of hospital ER visits (21.3%).
- 5% of all individuals who fall also sustain fractures as a result.
- Falls are the primary cause of death for people aged 65 and older.
- Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of worker’s compensation claims.
- Slips and falls are the main cause of work-related injuries for employees aged 55 and older.
What Are the Available Damages for Victims of Slip and Fall Accidents?
Depending on the nature of your slip and fall claim, you may be entitled to collect both economic and non-economic damages.
So, you may be able to recover numerous specific damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Property damage
- Inability to earn your prior salary because of injury
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurements
What Should I Do After a Slip & Fall Accident?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a slip and fall accident and has been hurt, you must take the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention. This will address any injuries.
- Report the accident to the property manager, owner, or supervisor if the fall occurred at a business or public place.
- Collect evidence, like photographs of the accident scene and defective conditions. This can include hazards that contributed to your fall.
- Obtain contact information, such as phone numbers, from any witnesses.
- Consult with an experienced and trained personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
Call Westlake Injury Law for a Free Consultation
If you think that you or somebody you love sustained a slip and fall injury because of someone else’s negligence, you should discuss your case with a lawyer immediately. At Westlake Injury Law, we are committed to advocating for those who have sustained injuries in slip and fall accidents.We have the expertise, know-how, and experience to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today at (805) 338-6880 for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.
