Each year, millions of Americans seek emergency medical services after suffering injuries in a slip and fall accident. Slip and fall incidents can result in devastating harm, including spinal cord damage, soft tissue injuries, broken bones, and more. If someone else’s actions are responsible for your slip and fall, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Broken Bones
Broken bones and fractures are very common after a slip and fall accident. A fall can place a significant amount of stress and force on different parts of the body, leading to a fracture. The hips, knees, and wrists are especially susceptible to damage during these types of accidents. The risk of a broken bone during a slip and fall increases with age, meaning that elderly people are the most likely to suffer this type of injury.
Soft Tissue Injuries
The soft tissues refer to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. During a slip and fall, these tissues can become strained, torn, or bruised, leading to severe pain and limited mobility. Symptoms of soft tissue injuries are not always immediately apparent after an accident and may not appear for days or even weeks after your initial accident. Without prompt treatment, however, soft tissue damage can lead to chronic pain.
Traumatic Brain Damage
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when you sustain any type of damage to your head. These injuries can occur when an object collides into you, when your head hits a hard surface, or when an object penetrates your skull. You can easily hit your head during a slip and fall accident, leading to a TBI and potentially life-altering complications.
Brain injuries can range from concussions, bumps, and bruises to more severe injuries, such as skull fractures, hemorrhages, and hematomas. However, any type of head injury can be extremely serious and should be treated like a medical emergency. If you hit your head after a slip and fall, seek medical attention immediately.
Spinal Cord Damage
The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages between our brain and the rest of our body. During a slip and fall accident, the vertebrae in the spinal cord can break or one of the discs in your back can slip or become herniated. Any back injury can result in serious pain and limited mobility, but spinal cord damage is often more severe.
Any damage to the spinal cord can result in permanent paralysis below the injury site. This type of injury may also result in neurologic disability and sensory impairment. Without prompt medical attention, spinal cord injuries can be fatal.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to remain calm and seek help as soon as possible. If the fall occurs in a store or at another place of business, ask to fill out an incident report to document the accident. If you have sustained serious injuries or if the accident involved a crime, such as physical assault, call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement. Seek medical attention immediately after the accident and save all records related to your treatment and injuries.
Once you receive medical attention, contact a California slip and fall accident attorney. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible following your accident to discuss your legal options.