Types of Injuries From a Slip and Fall Accident

Accidents involving slip and falls can occur anywhere. You can suffer life-changing injuries on public or private properties, whether you’re out shopping, going to work, visiting a neighbor or on a military installation.

You may be entitled financial compensation if you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident. You can file a premises liability claim in Tennessee if you can prove that the property owner had a duty to you, breached it, and you were injured. You can claim compensation for any type of injury if you are injured in a slip and fall accident. The key is to consult a doctor immediately so that you can prove your injuries were caused by the fall. It is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible, since it may be necessary for you to gather evidence quickly at the site of the accident.

Ten Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

No matter how or why you fell down, hitting the floor suddenly and unexpectedly could cause severe trauma injuries. Here are 10 of most common injuries that occur in slip and falls:

1. Broken Bones

Slip and fall accidents can easily cause broken bones. All accident victims are susceptible to breaking bones in a fall. The elderly are more at risk than others. Hip fractures can lead to serious complications. Broken bones can also require long-term recovery and treatment. These include broken arms, lower legs, ribs, shoulders and collarbones.

2. Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by a fall may include fractured vertebrates, herniated and slipped discs, pinched or irritated nerves and other painful and debilitating injuries. SCI symptoms can range from limited mobility and pain to complete or partial paralysis. The extent of spinal cord damage can determine whether a spinal cord injury is “complete” or not. They can also be classified according to where they occur in the spine:

• The upper spinal cord is composed of vertebrae C1 to C8.
• Thoracic SCI – Vertebrae 1 through 12 in the middle spinal cord
• Lumbar SCI Vertebrae 1 through 5 in the lower back
• The lower spine is where the nerves leave the sacral SCI.
• Coccygeal SCI: the single vertebra known as “tailbone”.

3. Neck Injuries

Neck injuries may be caused by damage to the spine or to muscles, ligaments or tendons. Whiplash is a condition where the upper spinal cord and soft tissues in the neck can be damaged by sudden, violent movements. This could happen when you slip and fall.

4. Concussions

Concussions are most common in slip-and-fall accidents when the victim’s skull collides with the floor. Concussions can also be caused by violent shaking, even when the head is not in contact with an object. Concussion symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, “foggy” feeling, confusion and a general feeling of being unable to concentrate. It is possible to lose consciousness.

5. TBI can also take other forms

All types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), are severe, but a concussion can be considered the mildest form. Slip and fall accidents may also cause TBI depending on the circumstances. These include:

• Hematoma intracerebral or subdural
• Hemorrhage in the subarachnoid or intraventricular space
• The skull fractures that are most common include the linear, basilar, and depressed skull fractures
• Coup-contrecoup injuries
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

6. Severe Lacerations and Cuts

The impact of falling on broken glass, sharp metal and other hazardous objects can lead to severe lacerations and cuts. These injuries can require stitches or sutures for healing (which can leave permanent scars), and they can damage the muscles, nerves, and soft tissue under the skin.

7. Knee and Ankle Injury

Injuries can range in severity when a knee or an ankle is twisted in a fall. Sprains, strains, broken bones, tears and other serious injuries are all common.

8. Shoulder, elbow, and wrist injuries

When you try to brace your body during a fall, which is a natural reaction for most people, it can result in injuries at the wrists up through the shoulders and elbows. As well as broken bones, soft tissue and nerve injuries are also common. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of the injury. It may include rest, ice compression and elevation (RICE), surgery, or rehabilitation therapy.

9. Facial Injuries

Face injuries can be caused by hitting the ground, or an object when falling. These include severe cuts, jaw and teeth fractures, eye injuries, nose fractures and broken teeth. Many slip and fall victims suffer facial injuries as well as a TBI or concussion.

10. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain from one of the above injuries (or another injury sustained in a slipping and falling accident) may have debilitating effects. As a result, many slip and fall victims suffer from chronic pain over years or even decades. Many victims are unable to enjoy their lives, work or spend time with family because of this pain. These are all losses that are eligible for financial compensation under Tennessee law.

This article was written by Alla Tenina. Alla is one of the best tax attorneys in Los Angeles California, and the founder of Tenina Law. She has experience in bankruptcies, real estate planning, and complex tax matters. Visit www.teninalaw.com for more information. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.