What are the Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries?
While the most common slip and fall injuries include bruises and scrapes, serious slip and fall injuries may involve head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or fractures. While anyone may suffer a serious slip and fall, older adults are the most vulnerable. Some slip and fall accidents may prove fatal.
Property owners have a duty of care to ensure their premises are in a safe condition. If a slip and fall is the result of negligence on the part of the property owner or manager, the victim may file a personal injury lawsuit. The plaintiff must prove that the property owner was aware of the hazardous condition and did not fix it.
A serious slip and fall injury can mean considerable time lost from work or the inability to perform employment duties. Such injuries may prevent victims from caring for their families or participating in normal activities. It may mean the loss of independence and the need for temporary or long-term caregiving. A Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer at Ellis Injury Law will investigate your claim and hold those responsible for your injuries liable. Over $350 million in settlements and verdicts have been recovered for clients by our dedicated attorneys.
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Traumatic brain injury
While it is crucial to seek medical attention after any slip and fall incident, that is particularly true when a head injury is involved. A person suffering a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from striking their head may fall into a coma or vegetative state. These victims, however, usually receive prompt treatment since the depth of their injuries are obvious. A minor TBI, known as a concussion, can have long-term consequences, and the effects of a concussion are not always apparent immediately after the accident.
Complete recovery from a severe TBI is rare, and many people never fully recover from a moderate or minor TBI. They may deal with memory loss, cognitive problems, and seizures for the rest of their lives.
Spinal cord injuries
A spinal cord injury may result in paralysis, either temporary or permanent. Even if the victim escapes paralysis, they may experience neurological issues. Spinal cord injuries are arguably the most devastating injuries caused by slips and falls.
Broken bones
While any bone may break from a fall, the most common fractures in slip and fall injuries involve the ankle, wrist, and hip. Falls are the overwhelming cause of broken hips, which can cause permanent disability.
Broken vertebrae not only limit mobility, but bone fragments can pinch spinal nerves, causing excruciating pain. If the person fell over backward, they may break their tailbone. Along with the inability to sit or stand, a broken tailbone can make using the bathroom difficult, if not impossible, until the injury heals.
Many fractures require surgery and multiple operations are often necessary.
Back injuries
A bad fall can cause a disc to herniate. Not only is this very painful, but surgical repair is generally needed. Such injuries can lead to long-term or lifelong back issues.
Soft tissue injuries
While common, many soft tissue injuries are not serious and heal within a few weeks. However, falls can lead to tears in tendons and ligaments, leading to debilitating injuries that can take a long time to heal. Surgery is often required to repair torn tendons and ligaments.
Chronic pain issues may arise when soft tissue injuries do not receive proper treatment. These are other types of injury that may not produce symptoms right after the fall.
Slip & fall attorneys know that a reasonable settlement amount for the type of injuries and losses their client endured. Although most slip and fall cases are settled, we will go to trial if the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement.
Contact a Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer
If you or someone you know suffered serious slip and fall injuries because of property owner negligence, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at Ellis Injury Law. We offer free consultations, so call or text us 24/7 or submit our online form.
After reviewing your case, we will let you know whether you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. You pay no fee unless you receive compensation, as we work on a contingency basis.