Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injuries, sending at least one million Americans to the hospital every year.
Beware of Sudden Falls
Slips, trips, and falls account for eight million injuries each year in the United States. They happen suddenly at home, in the workplace, and outdoors when least expected. While many falls cause minor injuries, others send one million people to hospital emergency rooms each year.
Cuts and Bruises
Slip and fall accidents often result in cuts and bruises, but these injuries are usually less severe than other types of slip and fall injuries. Slip and fall lawyers see cuts and bruises in extremities like arms, hands, knees, legs, and ankles that often take the brunt of the fall. In most cases, these types of injuries require ice to reduce swelling, rest for proper healing, and medications for pain.
Sprained Wrists and Ankles
Tripping over obstacles and uneven steps causes many falls that result in sprained wrists and ankles. These injuries are often caused by stretched or torn ligaments from a sudden fall when the ankle twists or rolls or the hands are used to break the fall. Although sprains may seem minor, they can impair walking and hand functions and take weeks or months to heal properly.
Damaged Knees
Slip and fall lawyers see serious knee damages when fall victims get twisted or fall forward. This is usually caused when muscles, ligaments, and bones in the knees are stretched, torn, or dislocated. Both ACL and MCL injuries have similar symptoms including bruising, swelling, inflammation, and extreme pain. If the patella is dislocated, the injury victim will likely require surgery.
Neck and Back Injuries
Neck injuries caused by falls often impair head and neck movements and cause symptoms like numbness, stiffness, and headaches. Some injuries require splints or neck braces to stabilize movements during healing. Back injuries can result in spinal cord damage when falls occur on hard surfaces. Back braces, walking aids, and bed rest may be required for months.
Head Trauma
When slips, trips, and falls cause a blow to the head, injuries may result in serious complications. Slip and fall lawyers see injury victims who suffer nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vision problems, and breathing difficulty, especially when falls occur on hard surfaces or from heights. A sudden blow to the head with such symptoms may signal a concussion or traumatic brain injury requiring immediate medical attention.
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