Common Slip And Fall Injuries

man falling on the floor injured

Like many individuals, you might think of slip and fall accidents resulting in skinned knees, a sprained wrist, or an ankle sprain. Trip and fall incidents, often known as slip and fall accidents, can result in severe injuries with long-lasting effects. Elderly people are more vulnerable to slip-and-fall injuries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the top cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older individuals (CDC). Falls are another frequent hazard in nursing homes, where between 50% and 75% of people fall each year (other common areas where slip and falls tend to occur). That is twice as frequently as older folks who are housebound.

Statistics On Slip And Falls Injuries

  • Every year, more than a million people who have slip and fall accidents visit the emergency room.
  • Only 5% of slip-and-fall accidents result in fractured bones.
  • Every age group, except those between the ages of 10 and 24, has nonfatal injuries most frequently due to slips and falls.
  • The average number of days lost due to a slip and fall accident is 11.
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average hospital bill for a slip and fall is more than $30,000.

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries

In 2020, there were more than 64,000 TBI-related fatalities in the US, 3 or 176 per day. TBI victims may experience health issues for a few days or the rest of their life, depending on the severity of the injury.

For instance, a person with a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion could experience transient symptoms before feeling better within a few weeks or months. Additionally, a person who has suffered a moderate or severe TBI could be left with permanent repercussions from the damage.

2. Neck And Spinal Cord Injuries

Slip-and-fall incidents are the second-leading cause of spinal cord injury (SCI), with 32 % of cases. This important and delicate area of our bodies can be exposed by tripping and falling. Our spinal cord is connected to our necks and backs.

Devastating impairments may arise from slip and fall accidents that pinched, bent, or broke a spine section. A spinal cord injury can result in death, dislocated and slid discs, and the paralysis of some bodily parts.

3. Broken Bones

A broken bone occurs when a bone is forced beyond its capacity. A fall frequently causes a stressing force to the body, which can consequently cause broken bones.

Hip, wrist, and ankle fractures are some of the most frequent forms of broken bones in slip and fall accidents. Getting older also  increases our chances of breaking a bone. 

4. Cuts And Abrasions

When someone slips and falls, they may hit a hard or rough surface like asphalt, and sustain serious wounds and scratches. Large abrasions and deep lacerations pose a great danger of infection and must be cleaned and bandaged by a medical professional.

5. Bleeding

Internal bleeding is frequently caused by trauma, but it can also be brought on by using specific drugs. Internal bleeding following a fall is frequently accompanied by physical injury or shattered bones.

Internal bleeding can happen whenever a forceful object strikes the body because of physical trauma, internal organ compression, or fractured bones.

6. Sprained Wrists And Ankle Injuries

Another typical slip and fall injury is a sprain. A sprained wrist or severe ankle injury destroys the connective tissue between two bones. While there are many degrees of sprain severity, they are always very painful.

Even though it might not appear to be a major injury, an ankle or wrist injury can significantly affect your life. There’s a chance you won’t be able to perform daily chores or activities like cooking, typing, or even walking to the bathroom. Sprains are a frequent issue following a slip and fall, and they can cause patients to experience serious issues or subsequent injuries in the long run.

7. Knee Injuries

A slip and fall might cause knee injuries because you might twist and turn as you go down. The arrangement of bones and ligaments that makes up the knee is complex. It may take a while for your MCL or ACL to repair after an injury.

You might also dislocate your patella and tear your ligaments. You may need knee reconstruction soon or in the future. By far, 49.3% of knee injuries occur while people participate in sports or other forms of entertainment.

8. Facial Injuries

Cuts and wounds to the face, bleeding from the nose, a broken nose, and injuries to the eyes and airways are all facial injuries. Other fall injuries require immediate medical attention, even if minor wounds can be treated at home.

Some facial injuries resulting from a slip or fall accident include minor cuts and bruises, open wounds, nosebleeds, dental injuries, fractures, and bleeding or a cut tongue.

9. Soft Tissue Injuries

Muscle, ligament, and tendon soft tissue damage can result from various activities. Damage, bruising, swelling, and agony may be the negative outcome of fall accidents that lead to soft tissue injuries. Some of which include:

  • Contusions (bruises)
  • Sprains
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Tension injuries
  • Strains

Sprains, strains, and contusions are soft tissue injuries people will most likely sustain after slipping and falling. Still, other conditions like tendonitis or bursitis may flare up or get worse as a result of the force of a fall.

Physical therapy is best recommended for those who suffer from further complications. This may also apply to more serious fractures like spinal cord injuries. Serious injuries shouldn’t be ignored; the same applies to any slip and fall accident that introduces chronic pain.

A qualified personal injury attorney must prevent serious accidents or fatalities from a mere slip and fall incident. They are the most qualified to assist in obtaining compensation following fall accidents.

You may feel confident about the outcome and overall experience because the right personal injury lawyer will help you through the filing and negotiation and even represent you in court, if necessary.

Contact Reeves Law Group immediately for a free consultation with an experienced injury attorney regarding a possible claim on slip and fall injuries. Call (800) 644-8000 or complete our online contact form.

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