Slips and falls can happen any time you are in a public place. One may not seem like much, but if they happen often or the injuries caused are severe, they can lead to serious health problems.
In this week’s discussion, we want to focus on the most common injuries caused by slip-and-fall accidents. If you suffered one of the injuries we’re about to discuss or even a unique injury, you should secure legal representation right away.
At Crary Buchanan Attorneys at Law, we specialize in personal injury cases of all types and have an intimate knowledge of the law surrounding such claims. So contact us today to discuss your rights as a personal injury victim. We will assign you an experienced slip and fall accident attorney to walk you through the proper channels you need to take. We will help you file your claim, and our slip and fall accident attorney will get to work building your case.
Our goal is to get you the maximum amount of compensation for your injury. To get prepared, we encourage you to keep reading to learn about the most commonly-reported injuries that stem from slip and fall accidents.
What Causes Slips and Falls?
There are many factors that could lead to a slip or fall accident. The most common are in wet areas such as damp floors, wet stairs, and spillages on the floor.
Another common cause of falls is tripping over objects left on the floor, such as cleaning supplies and work equipment. You’re also more likely to have an accident when walking down a slope or uneven ground.
Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
One of the most common injuries from a slip and fall accident is a broken bone. And a common type of bone fracture that occurs in a slip and fall is called a spiral fracture, which can be the result of twisting your ankle or knee in addition to falling.
Sprained Ankles or Wrists
A sprained ankle or wrist is another common injury caused by a slip and fall accident. This occurs when you land on your foot or hand and twist or bend it in an awkward direction.
The severity of the sprain typically depends on the severity of the injury, but recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. If you’ve suffered a sprain to your wrist or ankle, you should keep your weight off of it as much as possible and use crutches if necessary.
In addition, you should also make sure to ice the area and elevate it to alleviate swelling. If you can’t get around without putting weight on your foot or hand, you may need physical therapy in conjunction with medical treatment.
The knee is a complex joint that consists of four bones, and any of these could be injured by a fall. Depending on the severity and nature of the fall, the knee may be sprained or dislocated.
If left untreated, a fracture can develop in the knee, which will lead to long-term consequences like arthritis. In addition, if you have an ACL tear, it may not be possible for you to return to your normal lifestyle without surgery.
Shoulder Dislocations and Muscle Strain
When a slip and fall accident causes a shoulder dislocation or muscle strain, it’s usually the result of trying to break the fall with your arm. When this happens, it’s common for your arm to be pulled out of its socket. In some cases, you may feel a pop in your shoulder. Your muscles might tear, as well, which can cause pain and limit range of motion.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suffer from such an injury after a slip and fall accident. The longer you wait, the less likely an injury will heal properly. Fortunately, many shoulder dislocations and muscle strains are treatable with physical therapy, even if surgery isn’t necessary.
Spine and Nerve Damage
The spine is the column of bones that protects your spinal cord, and a slip and fall accident can cause serious damage to your spine. Such an injury can have extremely serious consequences, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately following a slip and fall.
Traumatic Brain Injury
One of the most serious injuries that can result from a slip and fall accident is traumatic brain injury. A small percentage of people will suffer from traumatic brain injury after slipping and falling, but those who do often need to deal with a lifetime of mental and physical disabilities.
For these reasons and more, you should have an experienced slip and fall accident attorney in your corner. At Crary Buchanan, we fight for your rights and do everything in our power to get you the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. That said, you may also need compensation to help you pay for lost wages, ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and more.
Cuts and Bruises
A slip and fall accident is a common cause of injury. A fall down the stairs could lead to an injury like a broken arm or leg, but it could also lead to cuts and bruises. These types of injuries are not as inherently serious as other injuries that can be caused by a slip or fall accident, but they are still painful and may take longer to heal.
Are You a Victim of a Slip and Fall Accident?
Then it’s time to discuss your claim with an experienced law firm that specializes in personal injury lawsuits and much more. So contact Crary Buchanan today at (772) 287-2600, or send us an email at email@example.com to get started.
The information in this blog post is for reference only and not legal advice. As such, you should not decide whether to contact a lawyer based on the information in this blog post. Moreover, there is no lawyer-client relationship resulting from this blog post, nor should any such relationship be implied. If you need legal counsel, please consult a lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.