We’ve all taken a fall at some point. Most of the time, these are minor events that may cause us a bit of embarrassment. Other times, however, a fall is a very serious event. In fact, the CDC reports that falls send millions of Americans to the emergency room every year.
In our post today, we’ll discuss the kind of injuries that can result from a fall, as well as what to do if you’ve fallen on someone else’s property.
Common Injuries in a Slip and Fall
Falls can cause both minor and serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Believe it or not, but falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries! These can happen when a person lands on their head or strikes it on an object while falling. A TBI can have long-lasting effects, and recovery may be slow.
- Broken Bones. A wrist or arm can be broken in an attempt to brace from a fall. A fall can trigger a broken hip or ribs in elderly people or those suffering from osteoporosis.
- Soft Tissue Injuries. Muscles and tendons around the joints, back, and neck can become strained and bruised in a fall. Depending on the severity, these injuries may take a long time to heal.
- Chronic Pain. Any of the injuries listed above is sure to cause a victim pain. This can impact a person’s ability to engage in daily activities or work as before.
- Depression, Anxiety, PTSD. Anytime a person has experienced a traumatic accident resulting in injury, there is a possibility that their mental health will be impacted. We’ve had clients struggle with depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and flashbacks after a fall. Therapy and medications may become necessary to help cope.
What To Do If You’re a Victim
Sometimes, we fall due to our own carelessness or clumsiness. But what happens if the fall was on someone else’s property, and you suspect it’s their fault? In this case, you should do the following:
- Take pictures of the scene.
- Collect any witness contact information.
- Seek medical care.
- Call a personal injury attorney who handles slip and fall claims. (Tip: You’ll want to do this part as soon as possible as evidence can become quickly lost.)
It’s important to understand that slip and fall cases are usually tough to prove. Yet, if you suspect that the property owner was negligent and you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and other harms – we want to hear from you. There’s a chance you could file a claim to pursue compensation.
Our lawyers offer free case reviews. This gives you a chance to share what happened and hear what your legal rights are – with no cost or obligation. Should we take your case on, you’ll pay us nothing unless we win you a settlement.
Call our lawyers today and ask for a free consultation.