Slip and fall injuries are more common than you might imagine and can be severe. According to data from NSC, falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths. 

Falls don’t just affect the aged or construction workers; they can happen to anyone, anywhere. You could experience a fall at the local store or while at a friend’s house. 

Falls account for approximately eight million emergency room visits annually, accounting for around a fifth of total visits. These incidents are also a leading cause of compensation claims for people across the age range, with thousands of cases going to court. 

But how do you know if you have attained the legal definition of a slip and fall injury? That’s the topic of this article. It explores various types of injuries to understand the risks you face and how to promote prevention. 

Understanding Slip and Fall Injuries (Legally)

Slip and fall injuries are incidents where you lose your balance and fall over, leading to physical harm. Common injuries include fractures, bruises, and concussion or head trauma. 

Incidents can occur anytime but are more likely in hazardous conditions, such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and wet floors. Other contributing factors include loose ground materials or adverse weather conditions. 

Adults who are older or in poor health are at higher risk. However, anyone injured by a slip and fall caused by someone else’s negligence is eligible for compensation. 

Identifying who is responsible for the injury is critical if you want a successful personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, the property owner is at fault. They are responsible for ensuring their premises remain reasonably safe. For example, the business owner may be responsible for injuries on commercial premises. Similarly, injuries in public spaces, like parks, may be the responsibility of the city or local government. 

Injuries can also be your responsibility if:

• Your personal negligence caused them.
• You were engaging in a crime when the injury occurred.
• You were behaving recklessly, such as disregarding public safety measures.
• You intentionally caused harm to yourself.

In these cases, you may not be able to bring a claim or be eligible for compensation. However, you should still speak to an attorney to assess your case. A third party may still be at fault. 

Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries

While slip-and-fall accidents can occur anywhere, they frequently lead to similar injuries. This section describes the most common of these, detailing their symptoms and the treatment recovery process.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are among the most severe injuries from trip and fall accidents. Concussions can lead to life-threatening brain damage and blood supply interruptions. 

The risk of head injury is high during an unexpected fall. The neck muscles can struggle to keep the head away from hard impacts, increasing the risk of cognitive and neurological complications. Severity can vary from minor headaches to long-term brain damage, with medical costs ranging from low to high. 

Victims can experience symptoms from head injuries, including dizziness and memory loss. And treatment and recovery may take the form of rest and, in some cases where there is psychological damage, cognitive therapy.

Back Injuries

Slips and falls can also lead to assorted back injuries, including strains, sprains, fractures, and herniated discs. Risks include nerve damage leading to paralysis, ongoing mobility issues, and chronic pain. Numbness, weakness, and pain are common symptoms. 

Back injuries typically involve prolonged recovery periods. Medics often recommend pain management with medication, physical therapy, and rest. 

Hip Fractures

Slip and fall injuries can also lead to hip fractures where the hip bone breaks, mostly affecting older people. Consequences include mobility issues, blood clots, and a higher risk of infection.

For many people, hip injuries can lead to functional decline. Severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking can inhibit mobility, reducing the quality of life. 

Medics may offer assistive devices and physical therapy. However, even with surgery, victims may never fully recover. 

Sprains And Strains

Sprains involve overstretching of ligaments, while strains relate to the overstretching of muscles and tendons, and both are another common consequence of trip and fall accidents. Consequences include limited range of motion, pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected area. 

Doctors usually recommend strategies to reduce inflammation, such as applying cold compresses and various forms of physical rehabilitation. However, surgery may be necessary in some cases. 

Bone Fractures

Finally, fractures are another common injury from slip and fall accidents. Victims may break bones in their wrists, ankles, and vertebrae. Damage can cause misalignment, and joint problems and elevate the risk of infection. Pain, swelling, and deformity occur immediately and can worsen over time without treatment. 

Fortunately, medical professionals are adept at helping patients recover from these injuries. Treatments include applying casts, performing surgeries to pin bones together, and various forms of physical therapy. 

Legal Aspects of Slip and Fall Injuries

Some slip and fall injuries have legal implications, as discussed above. For instance, you may be able to make a case if private or commercial property owners are negligent in some way. Common examples of negligence leading to personal injury include:-

• Poor signage around wet floors
• Inadequate lighting in entryways and stairwells
• Failure to maintain handrails and walking surfaces

If any of these conditions were present during your injury, it may be time to consult a personal injury lawyer. Professionals can collect evidence regarding your case and tell you whether you could win compensation if you go to court. 

Looking to Get Confirmation From a Lawyer??

Injuries from slip and fall accidents are more common than you might think. Millions occur yearly and can affect people of all ages, not just the aged or those at occupational risk. 

The most common slip and fall injuries are head, back, and hip injuries, sprains and strains, and bone fractures. If you experience any of these harms, ensure your physicians keep accurate medical records, documenting every aspect of your case. 

If you believe you are a victim of a personal injury resulting from the negligence of a third party, get in touch with our team. 

Contact a Louisville slip and fall lawyer to discuss your case.