Slip, trip, and fall accidents are a common cause of injury in the United States. They may not seem like complicated matters – how often have you tripped without any injury? Yet, some slip, trip, and fall accidents can lead to serious injury including broken bones, torn ligaments, or head, neck or spine injuries that require medical attention. Some slip, trip, and fall accidents could have been prevented, and victims may be eligible for compensation to help with medical expenses for long-term injuries.
The most common types of slip, trip, and fall injuries are:
Broken Bones: Broken bones are the most common slip, trip, and fall injuries. They can range from minor and inconvenient – like broken arms, wrists, legs, or feet – much more serious, especially if a bone in the hip region is broken. Elderly individuals are most at risk for these types of injuries because their bones are more brittle and can break easily. Broken hips and pelvises require extensive care – including in some cases, surgery – and take time to heal properly.
Torn Ligaments and Tendons: When a person tries to stop or “catch” themselves from tripping, slipping, or falling, they can reach out, twist around, or overexert their bodies causing tendons and ligaments to stretch and tear. Torn ligaments and tendons require lengthy and intensive physical therapy to heal, although some people may never regain the full function of the affected ligament or tendon.
Back and Spine Injuries: Similar to torn ligaments, back and spine injuries – including slipped disks, broken backs, twisted spines, or strained lower backs – can easily occur when trying to prevent or stop yourself from slipping, tripping, or falling. These injuries are sometimes never resolved, with “flare-ups” occurring periodically.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The most serious injuries resulting from slips, trips, and falls are the result of hitting one’s head on the pavement, concrete or other hard surfaces. These brain injuries can range from minor concussions to severe brain damage, but all require immediate medical attention. A TBI can greatly affect a person’s quality of life requiring years of intense rehabilitation therapy and even possibly lifetime assisted care.
While slips, trips, and falls may be a regular part of life, they can be serious and preventable. A good lawyer will determine who is responsible for the accident, review your incident and understand the specifics of your case, utilize the best legal theories to establish grounds for a case, interview witnesses and review records, identify medical experts, and work with defense attorneys to obtain fair compensation for your injuries so that you can focus on recovery.
