Most Common Slip and Fall Accidents That Everyone Should Know About

Sometimes untoward accident may cause real harm unexpectedly. This refers to a type of personal injuries such as the “slip and fall.” This accident often occurs on property owned or maintained by a certain individual and the property owner may be legally responsible for such accident.

Causes of Slip and Falls

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The slip and fall cases may be due to the negligence that certain people or business have or it can even be caused by your own negligence as well.  Some of the most common causes and circumstances  of slip and falls accidents are as follows:

Wet Floors

Wet floors may always cause slip and fall injuries to people passing by on the affected area. It is advisable that the owner of the premises should put the appropriate warning sign so everyone can calculate the potential risk.

Debris on the floor

Did you know that a fruit spilled at a grocery store or a banana peel in front of the owner’s house could also cause this type of injury? Well, believe it or not, this happens, and often enough to be part of this list.

Uneven surfaces

Holes or indentation in a concrete floor, loose floorboards, tiles or carpeting may be dangerous. These surfaces are proved to potentially cause some serious slip and fall injuries, so, be careful.

Unsafe construction or working zones

Workers should always take precautions of the dangers of the construction or working zones. By taking some certain, specific measures that will avoid any type of accident, they are able to work safer and more relaxed.

The Types of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and falls may range from minor, severe or could even be deadly. So, what are the most common slip and fall injuries that one might sustain?

Head Injuries

Slip and fall accidents may potentially cause head injuries from minor concussions to traumatic brain injury (TBI). These types of accidents are considered a medical emergency. TBI could trigger cognitive impairment, mood changes and ongoing seizures and ,many other harmful symptoms. According to CDC, falls cause about 40 percent of all TBIs in the United States that need emergency treatment or hospitalization. There are many cases when these injuries lead to death.

Likewise, if someone falls and hit his head on some hard objects, there might be swelling, bleeding or loss of consciousness. It is advisable to always check your head up by a doctor. Usually, a head injury is impossible to be diagnosed by just looking at the symptoms.

In addition, consulting with a physician could also augment your chance of having a successful lawsuit, this could be a strong documentation of the injury.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Slip and fall may cause fracture vertebrae or herniated discs that may lead to permanent or temporary paralysis and other sensory and neurological damages. According to Mayo Clinic, falls cause about over a quarter of spinal cord injuries. And most spinal cord injuries occur among adults age 65 and older. These injuries are among the costliest injuries to treat.

Broken Bones

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Broken bones could vary from minor fractures to severe breaks. They are indeed painful and may cause intense bleeding. The broken bones may occur at bone or the joint. If this happens,  you must go to the emergency room right away.

Hip fractures

According to CDC, over 95 percent of broken hips derived from slip and falls. CDC also stated that one in five hip fracture patients die within a year of their injury.

Hip fracture requires surgery and hospitalization for quite a long period of time.  The surgery includes implantation of an artificial hip.

Shoulder Injuries

Slip and fall accident may also trigger a shoulder dislocation also known as a “brachial plexus injury.” This is also treated with injury and then physical therapy. It is painful just like the hip fracture.

Soft Tissue Injuries

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Soft tissue injuries may vary from minor ankle and wrist sprains to tendons and ligament damage. If these are not treated, they may cause chronic pains. It is advisable that after the slip and fall injury you get a proper medical care. Especially since these soft tissue injuries may not generate symptoms right away.

Cuts and Abrasions

Cuts and abrasions may occur all over the body, mostly on arms and legs, after a slip and fall injury. In this case, these may require stitches. This is less serious and extensive than other types of slip and fall injuries.