Have you or your loved ones ever been in a slip and fall accident? An incident involving a slip and fall is one in which a person loses balance or slips and falls to the ground. An item or situation that contributed to the fall, such as a slick floor or poorly lit stairs, is typically involved in a slip-and-fall accident.
Injuries from slip and fall incidents may occur in both public and private areas, such as sidewalks, driveways, parks, businesses, workplaces, building sites, retirement homes, and other locations.
According to medical practitioners, fractures are the most common injuries in slip and fall accident cases. These incidents may have a major impact on an individual’s overall well-being, financial stability, and physical health. Seeking counsel from experienced slip and fall injury lawyers can be beneficial in navigating the legal issues related to these kinds of events.
Common Causes Of Slips And Falls
Slips and falls occur due to various factors involving many hazards and reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
●Slippery Surface
●Uneven Flooring
●Clutters or Obstacles
●Weather conditions, etc.
Understanding Fractures From Slip Accidents
From hairline fractures to serious cracked bones, there are serious implications of a slip-and-fall accident. The risk of fractures cannot be ruled out, as such incidents cause extreme physical and mental trauma.
Types Of Fractures Caused By Slips And Falls
Slip and Fall accidents most frequently result in fractures such as:
●Twisted Wrist
●Hip Injuries
●Dislocated Shoulder
●Arm
●Knee and ankle cracks, etc.
Usually, when someone tries to break a fall, they extend their hand in the direction of the floor or ground, which often breaks their wrist. You might potentially shatter a bone in your leg or knee if you fall forward.
How To Prevent Fractures From Slips And Falls
- Wear shoes that fit you, are comfortable, and provide extra protection.
- Be aware of the floor you’re walking through, and mind the sidewalk.
- Improve the physical balance and flexibility of the body so that it can handle the fall.
- Ensure proper lighting on the staircases, hallways, entrances, etc.
Other Common Injuries From Slips And Accidents
The environment, the height of the fall, the person’s age and physical condition, and other variables can all affect the common injuries sustained in slips and falls. Let’s take a look at some common injuries suffered:
1. Broken bones, cuts, and contusions: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments are examples of soft tissues in the body that can sustain damage when they are struck by a hard object and, as a result, may stretch, tear, or bruise.
2. Sprains and strains: A sprain is a result of rapid twisting or wrenching actions that cause the ligaments, which connect bones to other bones, to become stretched or ruptured. Tendons or muscles can tear or stretch when a strain occurs. Ankles, wrists, knees, and the back are frequent trouble spots.
3. Spinal cord injuries: One of the worst things you could sustain from a slip and fall is a spinal cord injury. Your spine typically bears the brunt of the force when you fall onto your back. The outcome may include a slipped disc, fractured vertebrae, damage to your nerves, or even irreversible harm to your spinal cord that might leave you completely or partially paralyzed.
4. Head Trauma: Many times, people who fall and bang their skulls only get a slight headache. However, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) could not show symptoms for several hours or even a few days. Important signs to watch out for include:
●Imbalance loss
●Lightheadedness
●Nausea from a fall
●Severe or unexpected headaches that get worse
●Apathy
Why You Need A Slip And Fall Injury Lawyer
Hiring a slip and fall injury lawyer will assist you in pursuing and claiming the maximum compensation for your damage. A slip and fall lawyer will explain the status, assist you in the best way with the legal terms, and make the complicated part easier to deal with. Your case settlement will be concluded faster, and the entire process will be less stressful, resulting in a fair settlement offer.
How To Choose The Ideal Slip And Fall Injury Lawyer
While choosing your lawyer, consider the following pointers:
- Experience: Get a lawyer with ample experience. Find out about his/her past track record and experience, standards, and successful solving of cases. This will increase your chances of winning the case.
- Expertise in handling documentation: Your lawyer should be proficient in handling all the related documents and follow up on a day-to-day basis with the system.
- Ensure the communication with the lawyer matches: Be sure that you’re comfortable with your lawyer, as you will be sharing all the intimate details about the injuries. The frequency of communication and comfort involved make it easy for both of you to work together to find an amicable solution to your case.
Conclusion
Slip and fall-related fractures can be reduced by staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Similarly, creating a safety culture to prevent future injuries is quite important. Collaborating with an experienced slip and fall injury lawyer can help ensure that negligent parties are held accountable and you will not have to suffer financial losses in addition to the painful injuries.