
Understanding the Physical and Emotional Damages Associated with a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, whether it be at your local grocery store, apartment complex, on a cruise ship or place of employment. In fact, recent studies have shown that slip and fall accidents are the primary cause of work-related accidents. The reasons for slip and fall accidents include a number of factors, including, but not limited to uneven flooring, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, or slippery surfaces.
Regardless of how the accident happens, the damage resulting from the fall can be painful and costly. A slip and fall can result in significant physical injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, and head trauma. On top of that, emotional and psychological damage can be incurred, as well.
Physical Damages from Slip and Falls
Physical injuries resulting from a slip and fall can range from minor to severe, depending on the circumstances surrounding the fall. Common physical injuries from slip and falls include:
- Bruises, abrasions, and cuts: Some of the more minor slip and fall accidents will result in bruises, scrapes, and cuts. Most of these cuts and bruises are minor and do not require medical attention, but sometimes, they can be severe and require stitches or other medical procedures to treat them.
- Sprains: Another common physical ailment resulting from a slip and fall is a sprain. These sprains normally occur on the ankle or wrist. Think about it: when you fall, your instinct is to extend your arm to protect yourself from the fall. The problem is, when you land, your body weight and the impact from the fall will put significant strain on your wrist, which will lead to a sprain that will require medical attention.
- Broken bones: Slip and falls often result in broken bones, which always require medical treatment. Depending on how serious the injury is, the area may need to be immobilized for months, and in some circumstances, surgery may need to be performed to fully repair the break.
- Stretched tendons and pulled muscles: When a fall happens, your body’s first instinct is to protect the body and prepare for impact. To do this, the body will usually tense the muscles to prepare for the fall. Also, many people will stretch, twist, or contort their bodies in unusual ways to break their fall. All of these movements and this additional tension can lead to a tendon or muscle to either pull or stretch, which can be a painful injury that requires immediate medical attention.
- Head injuries: Slip and fall accidents can result in head injuries, which can be extremely serious if not treated immediately. Head injuries may lead to chronic headaches, dizziness, or even nausea. All of these symptoms could be signs of a concussion or other serious head injury. If you have fallen and struck your head, seek medical attention immediately.
- Neck injuries: Neck injuries can also be quite common when it comes to slip and fall accidents. Symptoms of a serious neck injury can include numbness or tingling in the arms or hands, pain or soreness in the neck, neck spasms, as well as pain in the shoulder or neck.
- Back injuries: Neck and head injuries are not the only types of physical damage sustained in a slip and fall. Back injuries are quite common given the impact from the fall. Symptoms of back injuries include pain in the arm or back area, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, and muscle weakness or loss of sensation in the arms or legs.
- Arm injuries: When falling, many people will use their arms to break their falls, which is why arm injuries are common results from slip and fall accidents. Common arm injuries include sprained or fractured wrists, damage to the elbows or shoulders, and fractured or broken bones.
- Leg injuries: Leg injuries also commonly result from slip and fall accidents and can include sprained or fractured knees or ankles, as well as pulled muscles or tendons.
- The injured victim sustained a severe injury or resulting disability due to the slip and fall.
- The slip and fall were caused by unsafe conditions on another person’s property.
- The medical bills and other expenses associated with their injuries exceed their health insurance coverage and/or personal financial resources.
- The person is experiencing emotional distress or trauma from the slip and fall accident; and/or
- The injured party’s insurance provider has denied coverage for his or her claim or offers inadequate financial resources or settlement amount to pay for damages.