Whether it’s slip-on ice or a wet floor, a fall on an uneven sidewalk, or a stumble over an unseen object, the injuries suffered from a slip and falls can be extensive. Slip and Fall Injuries and Damages can lead to compensation if you’re working with an experienced personal injury attorney. Below is a summary of injuries frequently suffered as a result of a slip and fall, followed by a discussion of the types of monetary damages that victims may recover with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Sprains
A sprain is a pulled or torn ligament. Ligaments are the connective tissue within a joint (a knee, ankle, or shoulder joint, for example). While we often think of a sprain as a minor injury, it can be extremely painful and may require months of medical treatment. A torn ligament may even require surgery.
Muscle Strain
A strain is similar to a sprain, but instead of affecting a ligament, it affects muscle. A pulled or strained muscle is often a result of a fall. Strains are typically categorized on a scale of 1 to 3: A grade 1 strain is a mild pulled muscle, while a grade 3 strain is a muscle tear that may require surgery.
Fractures
Fractures (broken bones) to the wrist, back, hip, arm — even the skull — can occur as a result of a fall. The most serious type of break, an open (or compound) fracture, is one where the broken bone protrudes through the skin. At the other end of the spectrum,a partial fracture is one that only extends through part of a bone. Recovery time and treatments differ depending on the seriousness of the injury and the specific bone that has been broken. Fractures of the neck and back can cause long-term (even permanent) disability. A skull fracture can lead to a concussion or to life-threatening bleeding within the brain.
Other Physical Injuries from a Slip and Fall
In addition to the injuries described above, falls frequently cause bruising and lacerations. Severe lacerations can lead to permanent scarring. These injuries are particularly devastating when they are on the head or face or when they affect the eyes.
Emotional Distress
Injuries suffered from a slip and fall can lead to a lack of sleep, depression, anxiety, and other psychological complications. If a loved one saw your fall, they too might suffer from emotional distress, even though they were not physically injured.
Monetary Damages
If you’ve been injured you may be entitled to compensation in some of the categories below:
- Payment of medical bills
- Lost wages: Payment for work missed due to your injuries — including work you might miss in the future
- Pain and Suffering damages
- Loss of consortium: Damages for loss of meaningful time spent with your spouse, partner, or family members due to your injuries.
An experienced personal injury attorney will know the law and how to negotiate with the insurance company to get you and your family the compensation you deserve.
