Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injury, particularly among adults ages 65 and older. These accidents can happen in a variety of different environments, from the workplace to grocery stores or public sidewalks. While the severity of injuries can vary, certain types of injuries are more common than others. Regardless of the severity of the injury you sustained, the San Antonio slip and fall attorneys at The Aguirre Law Firm report that you can recover compensation if a third party is at fault. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common injuries that may result from these types of accidents.
Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the most serious types of injuries that are caused by slip and fall accidents is a spinal cord injury (SCI). When you fall, damage to the spinal cord’s vertebrae, discs, or nerves can result. Depending on the severity of the damages, partial or complete paralysis can occur. SCIs often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. In some cases, victims may even lose their ability to walk or control bodily functions.
Broken Bones
Bone brakes and fractures are also common in slip and fall accidents. The impact of a fall can cause bones to break, particularly in the arms, wrists, ankles, or legs. These types of injuries are often quite painful and usually require immediate medical attention, including X-rays to determine the extent of the damage. Depending on the severity of the fracture or break, treatment may include casting, surgery, or physical therapy.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also among the most dangerous and potentially life-threatening injuries that can result from a slip and fall accident. A TBI can occur when the head strikes the ground or another object during the fall, causing damage to the brain. TBIs can range in severity but typically result in symptoms such as nausea, confusion, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and loss of consciousness or memory. If left untreated, brain injuries can result in permanent cognitive or physical impairments.
Bruises
Bruises are generally considered the most minor type of injury that someone may suffer from a slip and fall accident, and they occur when blood vessels under the skin break due to the impact. This will likely cause swelling, discoloration, and pain in the affected area, with most symptoms subsided within a few days or weeks. Bruising can occur in various parts of the body, depending on the nature of the fall.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are also frequent when it comes to slip and fall accidents. When the body suddenly jerks or twists during a fall, your neck can become strained and you may experience whiplash. As a result, you may be faced with pain, limited range of motion, headaches, and stiffness in your neck. Oftentimes, physical therapy or chiropractic care will be recommended to help treat these injuries, and, in severe cases, surgery may be required.
Soft Tissue Injuries
The final type of injury that someone may suffer in a slip and fall accident is a soft tissue injury, which refers to damage to one’s muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Common soft tissue injuries from slip and fall incidents include sprains, strains, and tears that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving. While some soft tissue injuries will heal over time with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), others may require physical therapy or even surgery.