The Most Common Injuries from Slip-and-Fall Accidents
A slip-and-fall accident can happen anywhere: in the grocery store, at a restaurant, or when visiting a friend’s home. This type of accident accounts for more than one million emergency room visits each year, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). The following are common injuries from slip-and-fall accidents in Houston.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Bone fractures rank among the most common slip-and-fall injuries. The sudden impact of a fall on a hard surface due to an unexpected hazard can put immense stress on the bones, frequently leading to fractures in the wrists, hips, ankles, and other vulnerable areas. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poorly lit areas can cause bone fractures in slip-and-fall accidents.
Wrist Fractures
Most people instinctively put their hands out to break a fall, leading to fractures of the wrists. Treatment may involve resetting the bones, immobilization with a splint or cast for proper healing, medications to reduce pain or prevent infection, rehabilitation with physical therapy, and surgery in some cases.
Hip Fractures
A broken hip is one of the most common types of injuries from slip-and-falls among older adults. Hip fractures are serious injuries that usually require surgery. For older people, this type of injury can cause a number of complications, including:
- Challenging recoveries
- Long hospital stays
- Diminished quality of life
- Potential loss of independence
- Increased risk of death.
Ankle and Leg Fractures
Direct impact or twisting during a fall can fracture bones in the legs and ankles. Treatment can vary, depending on which bones are broken and the severity of the injury.
For example, ankle and leg fractures may require reduction (manipulating the bones back into place), a cast or boot for immobilization, orthopedic surgery in some cases, medications, and physical therapy once the bones have healed.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Although it may not be immediately obvious to the victim, soft tissue damage in slip-and-fall accidents can cause long-term pain and mobility issues.
Sprains and Strains
Muscles and ligaments can be overstretched or torn in a fall. Ankle sprains and back and shoulder strains are common injuries in slips and falls caused by property owner negligence.
Torn Ligaments
Slips and falls can tear ligaments in the knees and shoulders. Our knees contain four main ligaments that connect the tibia (shin bone) to the femur (thigh bone). A high-impact injury such as a fall can tear one or more of these ligaments.
Falls are also one the most common causes of shoulder sprains, which can occur when the ligaments of the shoulder joint are stretched or torn, as stated by Cleveland Clinic.
Contusions (Bruising)
Deep bruising may be caused by the impact of the body on a hard surface in a slip-and-fall accident. These painful injuries take time to heal. Severe bruising can be an indication of more serious issues, such as broken blood vessels, deep damage to soft tissue, or fractured bones.
Head and Brain Injuries
Severe head and brain injuries can have life-altering consequences for victims and their families. They should never be ignored after a slip-and-fall accident.
Concussions
A jolt or blow to the head or body can cause a concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) common in slip-and-fall accidents. Concussions can cause a range of physical symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, balance issues, nausea, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. It can also cause cognitive and emotional issues, as well as problems with sleep.
Skull Fractures and More Severe TBIs
Skull fractures and moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can result from a slip-and-fall accident. A moderate to severe TBI can lead to a lifetime of cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral changes, as reported by the CDC. It can lower a victim’s life expectancy by nine years.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
This condition involves persistent symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury that last longer than three months. These slip-and-fall injury symptoms may include memory and concentration difficulties, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and anxiety. There is no specific treatment for post-concussion syndrome, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.
Back and Spine Injuries
The force of a sudden fall can strain muscles, compress the spine, and damage spinal discs, vertebrae, and nerves. Back pain is a common symptom after a slip-and-fall accident. Injuries to the back and spine can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and paralysis in the most severe cases.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc is a common injury in slip-and-fall accidents. Spinal discs are rubbery, cushion-like structures that sit between the vertebrae. Each disc has a soft, jellylike center known as the nucleus, encased in a tough, rubbery exterior. When a disc is torn or leaks due to injury, it puts pressure on the spinal cord, irritating the nerves and leading to numbness, weakness, and pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
When the delicate spinal cord is damaged in a serious fall, it can leave the victim with partial or total paralysis below the level of the injury. This type of catastrophic injury may require surgery, extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, modifications to the home, and assistance with daily activities.
Muscle Strains and Whiplash
In a slip-and-fall accident, the body usually lands on a hard surface in a sudden, jarring motion. This can cause whiplash, a condition involving muscle stains in the neck and back, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Cuts, Bruises, and Surface Injuries
Surface injuries, such as cuts and bruises, are common in slip-and-fall accidents when victims fall on rough or sharp surfaces. These injuries can lead to pain, scarring, and the risk of infection. They may require sutures or other medical attention.
Abrasions and Lacerations
Scraping the skin against a hard surface can cause abrasions. Falling on broken glass, sharp edges, or uneven surfaces can lead to deep lacerations.
Facial Injuries
When a victim trips and falls face-first, the results can be facial cuts, dental injuries, or a broken nose. Thus, cosmetic surgery or dental work may be required to repair facial injuries.
Contact an Experienced Premises Liability Attorney
Property owners in Houston may be liable for slip-and-fall accidents that occur on their premises when proven to be the result of negligence. If you or your loved one has been hurt in a slip-and-fall caused by someone else’s negligence, get our skilled Houston premises liability lawyer on your side. Contact DK Law at (281) 402-8856 for more information.