Florida Trial Attorney

Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries can be quite severe and cause a myriad of issues, including loss of wages, pain and suffering, and long-term medical expenses. Whether the accident happened at the grocery store, at the park, at a friend’s house, or even in your own home, you shouldn't have to suffer physically or financially due to the negligence of the property owner. So, what are some of the most common injuries from slip and fall accidents? Read below to find out.

When someone falls due to the negligence of another party, the injuries will depend on the details of the fall. Obviously, a fall from an elevated position will result in more damages than a fall from ground level. Nonetheless, there are certain types of injuries that are common to most slip and fall cases. Those would include knee injuries, wrist injuries, low back, mid back and neck injuries, shoulder injuries or head injuries.   

Knee Injuries

In regard to the knees, many times when the knee contacts the ground first, damage can be in the form of swelling, contusions or bruising. With conservative therapy, these symptoms resolve themselves many times. In the event they do not, a diagnostic test such as an MRI or CT Scan will be necessary to determine if any serious damage was done.  A meniscus tear, ACL strain or tear or other ligament injuries, along with knee cap fractures, are all possibilities when the knee hits the ground first.

Wrist, Arm and Shoulder Injuries

The wrist, arm and shoulder are very common areas to be injured as well.  Most people who are falling forward will instinctively place their arms in an outstretched position in an attempt to break their fall. This commonly results in wrist fractures, shoulder separations or other arm/elbow/shoulder injuries from the impact and force transferring through and up the arm to the shoulder.    

Back and Spine Injuries

Next, the lumbar spine is an area of common injury from a fall. The lowest lumbar vertebra takes most of the force from a fall where someone lands on their rear end. Typically, there would be low back pain that is either localized or causing radiation of pain, numbness or tingling. The injury might also cause pain that travels down the lower extremities on both sides or just one, going into the thigh, to the knee, or sometimes down to the calf, foot and toes. Any reported numbness, tingling or radiating pain could be a sign of a disc injury in the lumbar spine. These types of injuries could be a bulging or herniated disc, the shock absorber type material that acts as a cushion between the vertebra in your spine. These are seen best on an MRI scan of the lumbar spine.  

The neck or mid back could also be injured when the body is put in an unusual position as one falls to the ground. Sometimes the neck could snap or the body could be twisted on impact, causing the mid-back or thoracic spine to receive injury as well.  An MRI will show if these injuries are serious or just soft tissue in nature.

Head Injuries

A head injury is always a possibility from a fall as well. Hitting your head on the ground as a result of a fall can cause many problems ranging from post-concussion syndrome to a mild or severe traumatic brain injury. Headaches, dizziness and forgetfulness are possible symptoms that should result in a CT scan to accurately diagnose the extent of the trauma/injury. 

Understanding all the potential injuries that a fall can cause will help you assist your medical providers form a proper diagnosis and treatment plan standpoint. 

What Should I Do If I Was Involved in a Slip and Fall Accident?

It’s critical you seek immediate medical help if you were involved in a slip and fall accident.  Report to your doctor the severity, frequency and duration of your pain If possible, and be specific regarding the body parts that are injured. Also, to help your lawyer prove your case, take as many photos as possible of the location and circumstances of the fall and the injuries you sustained. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident caused by negligence, Florida personal injury attorney Robert Gluck is here to help. Call (877) GLUCK-LAW to set up your free consultation.