The idea of simply slipping and falling may seem minor but slip and fall injuries can range from serious to life-threatening. Falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for the 65+ age group. Not only can these injuries be painful, they can end up being costly in terms of medical bills and lost wages due to having to miss work due to injuries. The following are some of the more common types of injuries we as attorneys see in slip and fall cases.
Cuts and Bruises
Some of the more common injuries that result from a slip and fall are cuts and bruises, also known as abrasions. Cuts and bruises to the leg and arm are common, but other parts of the body can be affected as well, depending on the injury. Some of these only require first-aid type of treatment but others may need stitches or more serious treatment.
Broken Bones
If the fall is severe, broken bones can result. These breaks can be minor fractures to severe breaks or even dislocation of bones. If the individual who falls has weaker bones, the breaks can take more time to heal and require casts and ongoing physical therapy. Broken hips are common injuries when it comes to older individuals falling. Broken bones require immediate treatment and can be painful and debilitating. Swelling will almost always occur, and if the swelling gets out of hand, this can make it difficult to treat the break. Therefore, if you have any suspicion that you broke a bone, it is extremely important that you go to an emergency room to be properly diagnosed and treated.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries also result from slip and fall accidents. These types of injuries are normally associated with car accidents but can easily happen in other types of accidents, such as falls, as well. Soft tissue injuries can be tricky because they are not visible to the naked eye. They also do not always show up in x-rays or other common tests, and they often do not manifest immediately after an accident happens. Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the muscle or tissue, and they can range from ankle or wrist sprains to tears in the body’s ligaments or tendons.
If they are not properly diagnosed or treated they can cause severe, chronic pain, and they can even leave the person susceptible to more injuries later. Even if someone feels completely fine after a fall, it is important that he or she seek medical attention in the event soft tissue injuries later manifest.
Head Injuries
Injuries to the head can be quite common in slip and fall accidents. Even if the injured individual does not believe that he or she needs medical attention after hitting their head, it is important that medical attention be sought as soon as the fall happens. Head injuries can include internal swelling, bleeding, loss of consciousness or a concussion. Minor concussions can potentially clear up on their own, but the more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) that result from a head injury can seriously affect the person’s ability to function normally. The harder the hit and the more serious the injury, the more important it is that the person seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Injuries to the Spinal Cord
An additional injury that can result from a slip and fall is damage to the spinal cord or back. These injuries are oftentimes life-threatening due to the nature of the location of the injury. They almost always require immediate medical care, as well as ongoing treatment. The medical costs that are associated with a spinal cord injury can be costly. The higher the spinal cord injury is located, the greater the damage. Full paralysis can result when the injury is located high in the spinal cord while lower spinal cord injuries can produce partial paralysis.
Consult with an experienced slip and fall accident attorney. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is extremely important that you sit down with an attorney to discuss your legal rights. The sooner you do this the better. Important evidence (such as photos and video surveillance footage) must be obtained quickly to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.
As experienced Miami slip and fall accident lawyers, we understand Florida’s slip-and-fall laws and how to hold businesses accountable for our client’s injuries, lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. If you have suffered a slip and fall at a grocery store, restaurant or retail store in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, The Keys or anywhere in the State of Florida it is critically important for you to consult with an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer who will fight to protect your legal rights. When selecting a lawyer- ask them about their qualifications and experience in claims against grocery stores, retailers and restaurants. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer and our firm, Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has successfully represented people and their families in slip and fall claims across the country since 1991. Call us today for a free initial consultation 1-866-597-4529 or email [email protected] and speak with an experienced slip and fall lawyer about your potential claim.
