4 Most Common Injuries Resulting from Slip and Falls

It can happen to anyone: you’re walking through a hallway that was recently mopped when you suddenly find yourself flat on your back on the wet floor. Whether it happens at home, at work, or in public, slip and fall accidents can result in some serious damage.

If you were recently injured in a slip and fall, it is important to understand the potential complications that may occur due to the accident. After you seek medical treatment, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you focus on your recovery rather than defending your case.

Slip and Fall Statistics

The act of slipping and falling can result in different injuries that range in severity, from bruises to broken bones and even brain damage. Each year, victims of slip and fall accidents constitute over 12% of all emergency room visitors, with 20–30% of those victims having sustained serious harm.

The dangers of a slip and fall are more severe for older individuals, with nearly one-third of adults over 65 experiencing injuries from a fall each year. These incidents are the highest contributor to both brain and hip injuries in adults, including hairline fractures and spinal damage.

Sprained Wrists or Ankles

During a slip and fall incident, someone may brace themselves with their hands or feet on their way down. This often results in sprained wrists and ankles, two fragile areas of the body that are highly susceptible to damage. Tearing a ligament in either of those locations can result in an extended recovery time because of the lack of blood that ligaments receive. Sprains can occur in other places, as well, such as the muscles in the feet or forearm.

If you believe you have a sprained ankle or wrist, do not hesitate to seek medical treatment. Long term damage to ligaments and the surrounding nerves can occur if they are not properly taken care of after an accident.

Broken Bones

In addition to sprains and strains, a slip and fall accident might result in broken bones or other painful fractures. Bones tend to break when they experience more pressure and stress than they can withstand, which can occur during a slip and fall if the victim braces themselves or a part of their body or if they are forced at a high speed against a hard surface, such as concrete.

Commonly, the bones that are broken the most during slip and fall incidents are the arms, legs, ribs, and hips, but more tender locations may also be affected, such as ankles and wrists. Fractures can occur on the skull, as well, and even along the spine, both of which can result in long term complications if not properly treated. If you believe that you have fractured or broken any of your bones during a slip and fall, the injury should be treated immediately by a medical professional.

Muscle Pain

Pulling a muscle or straining it during an accident is common, especially with older adults over 65 years of age. Many individuals who experience a slip and fall have reported tension or discomfort in their legs, arms, back, neck, and shoulders as a result of the accident. Other areas of soft tissue might be injured, as well, which might include damage to the nerves, tendons, or ligaments.

Bruises and Cuts

Bruises and cuts are the most common form of injury resulting from a slip and fall. Whether you missed a step walking down the stairs or you ran into a patch of ice on the sidewalk, you are likely to experience some moderate bruising and swelling at the area of impact. If you used your hands or knees to brace against the impact of falling, those locations are more likely to see minor scrapes. Bruising that occurs on the knees and arms can be treated with an ice pack, while cuts can be covered in topical ointment and a bandage.

Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer in South Florida

Recovering from a slip and fall can take months, depending on the severity of the damage that you experienced. While you are recuperating from your injury, you need an experienced lawyer on your side who will work with you to get the compensation that you deserve.

Call the world-class Baker Legal Team. We will fight for you and your right to receive justice. When you’re ready to move forward with your case, call (561) 599-6074 or contact us online for your free case consultation.