What types of injuries happen after a slip and fall accident
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slip and fall accidents account for more than 1 million emergency room visits per year. Many slip and fall accidents result from negligence, and can leave Florida residents with debilitating injuries, particularly seniors and the elderly.
Recognizing these common slip and fall injuries is often the first step in knowing if you’re able to file a lawsuit to recover damages.
Common types of slip and fall Injuries
While many slip and fall accidents hurt nothing but your pride, some can lead to serious injuries. Here are a few examples:
Head injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI occurs when there is a serious bump or blow to the head that is so severe it disrupts the normal brain function. With a traumatic brain injury, you may have impaired mental cognizance, along with slurred speech, dizziness, lack of balance or even be put in a coma.
Broken bones
Broken bones are another common slip and fall injury, particularly if you have fallen on a hard surface. While broken bones are more common among Florida’s senior population, they can happen to anyone. If you have experienced a broken bone, you may notice a sharp, sudden pain, and have difficulty moving a joint. It’s important to seek treatment right away since a broken bone will be much harder to set when swelling has set in.
Back and spine injuries
A slip and fall can cause the vertebrae in your back to become severed, compressed or misaligned. Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating because they often result in problems that last a lifetime. Some may even lead to paraplegia (paralysis of the lower limbs) or quadriplegia (paralysis of both the arms and legs). Back injuries also tend to be very painful, and the discomfort they cause can lead to a lower quality of life.
Soft tissue injuries
Bumps, bruises, sprains, torn ligaments and other soft tissue injuries can all occur after a fall. The problem is that you may not notice them right away. By the time you discover the injury, significant damage may have already happened. Soft tissue injuries are difficult to spot since there is typically no outward evidence of them. As soon as you notice swelling, pain or a limited range of motion, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if it has been a few days since your slip and fall accident.
Cuts, lacerations and abrasions
When falling onto sharp objects, you may suffer cuts or abrasions that range from mild to severe. Depending upon the nature of your accident, you could require stitches or even surgery to repair torn ligaments and tendons. Abrasions are common when you come into contact with a rough surface such as concrete, and might require stitches or even a skin graft.
Causes of slip and fall injuries in Florida
What causes some of the common slip and fall injuries that Florida residents encounter?
Here are a few of the most frequent causes:
- Sand and saltwater. Businesses located along one of Florida’s coasts must constantly be mindful of people tracking in sand and saltwater from the beach. If these are not cleaned up promptly, they may result in a slip-and-fall injury.
- Debris such as trash on sidewalks, merchandise that has fallen from store shelves, or construction materials that were not properly cleaned up.
- Broken or uneven pavement
- Wet floors after mopping, waxing, or rain.
- Poor lighting
If any of the above conditions contributed to your slip and fall, another person’s negligence could be to blame. Proving negligence is the key to any successful slip-and-fall accident claim, so you should take action immediately to safeguard any evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene and gather the names of any witnesses if available.
After that, your next move should be to contact a skilled Florida slip-and-fall lawyer who can assess your case and help you determine if there is a remedy available under law.
Get help for your Florida slip and fall accident
Slip-and-fall accidents can potentially cause serious physical injuries. When they do, you should seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you have been injured.
After being treated by a physician, your next move should be to contact an experienced Florida slip and fall lawyer at Lorenzo & Lorenzo. Our attorneys can help you do battle with insurance companies, and will work hard to see that you receive justice.
