Common Slip And Fall Injuries

Unintentional falls are one of the most common reasons that people seek medical treatment for accident-related injuries in the U.S. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that almost seven million people seek medical assistance from hospital emergency rooms every year for slip and fall injuries. Fortunately, many slip and fall accident victims can seek compensation for these injuries from the property owners on whose premises the accident occurred. Read on to learn more about slip and fall accidents in Florida.

Head Injuries 

Of the many types of injuries that a slip and fall accident can sustain, head injuries are one of the most common. This is especially true for elderly individuals, who often lack the quick reflexes and mobility to attempt to break their fall with their hands or wrists. Typical head injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and even hemorrhages.

Broken Bones 

Another common injury suffered by slip and fall victims are broken bones. The ankles and lower legs, as well as the wrists, hands, and arms are especially at risk. Broken bones can take a long time to heal and may end up causing complications down the road, including nerve pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility. Dislocations, especially of the hip and shoulder, are also common slip and fall injuries, primarily affecting those whose initial impact is on their sides.

Herniated Discs 

The vertebrae in the spine are cushioned by individual gel-filled sacs known as discs. These discs act as shock absorbers and make the spine flexible. Unfortunately, when a person falls, he or she could end up damaging these sacs, placing pressure on nearby nerves and causing debilitating pain. This injury is known as a herniated disc and in severe cases, it could require surgery to relieve the pain.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

 Individuals who slip and fall, landing on their backs, often find themselves suffering from whiplash when their neck snaps back and strikes the ground. Besides potentially causing a head injury, this can severely strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck. Whiplash can be extremely debilitating, causing significant pain and also making it a lot harder to move one’s neck forward or backward or from side to side.

Abrasions, Bruising, and Lacerations 

Anyone who suffers a significant fall on a hard surface, even when not from a great height, is at risk of sustaining abrasions, bruising, and lacerations. While the first two usually heal on their own with a bit of rest and care, lacerations are more serious. Lacerations can require stitches and once healed, can leave permanent scarring. Severe lacerations can even result in a loss of feeling or mobility in the affected area.

Discuss Your Options with a Florida Slip and Fall Lawyer 

Slip and fall victims who suffer an injury on someone else’s property could be entitled to compensation for their medical bills and lost wages. To learn more about Florida’s premises liability laws and your own right to file a claim, please call Boone & Davis at our Fort Lauderdale office today. You can set up a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Florida slip and fall lawyers by calling 954-566-9919.

Sources: 

cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/nonfatal.html

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.0755.html