by Slip and fall accidents lead to nearly nine million emergency room visits each year, and they’re the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Recovery from the serious injuries suffered in such an accident may require extensive physical and medical rehabilitation, not to mention around-the-clock care.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a claim. The team at Feingold and Posner will examine the case’s circumstances and seek the compensation your family deserves for its losses. Call today to schedule a consultation.
Below, we’ll discuss the most common causes of slip and fall accidents and what to do about them.
Head Injuries
Falls are a leading cause of TBI or traumatic brain injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some TBIs are concussions that heal with rest, but others are severe injuries that cause mood changes, cognitive decline, ongoing seizures, and other life-altering symptoms. Up to 40% of all TBIs in the US are caused by falls, and this cause disproportionately affects the very old and the very young.
Hip Fractures
Over 95% of broken hips occur due to falls. Hip fractures usually require surgery, as well as hospitalization and a nursing home stay for rehabilitation. The surgical process may involve artificial hip implantation. It’s been estimated that 20% of those suffering from hip fractures die within a year of the injury.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The effects of a slip and fall accident may fracture vertebrae and cause herniated or slipped discs, which leads to limited mobility and significant pain. Spinal cord injuries may cause lifelong paralysis and other sensory and neurological symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 25% of spinal cord injuries are caused by falls, and they are most common in adults over 65.
Shoulder Injuries
Slip and fall events sometimes result in brachial plexus injuries and shoulder dislocations. The brachial plexus is a neural network that connects the hand, arm, and shoulder to the spinal cord. These injuries are typically treated with surgery as well as physical therapy. If you or a family member have suffered shoulder injuries after a slip and fall accident, a personal injury attorney can help.
Fractures and Sprains
Falling, tripping, and slipping may cause a victim to twist their ankle or knee, spraining the ligaments near these joints. The impact of landing on the floor or hitting an object while falling is enough to break bones. Falls are a leading cause of fracture among older adults, whose bones are already weakened by age. Slip and fall accidents commonly cause fractures of the hand, upper arm, pelvis, ankle, leg, forearm, spine, and hip.
Contact an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorney
No matter the nature of the injuries suffered in a slip and fall accident, if the fall was caused by another person’s negligence, you might be able to receive compensation for lost income, medical bills, time away from work, and diminished quality of life.
The slip and fall lawyers at our firm can help victims and their families get justice if they’ve been affected by serious injury or paralysis. Request additional information via our online contact form or call today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney.
