Over 700,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a slip and fall injury, costing more than $34 billion in medical bills annually. According to the CDC, one in five falls cause a serious injury, with its affects being as serious as the victim requiring around the clock care or even death. Recovering from this injury can also require extensive medical care beyond hospitalization.
Slip and fall injuries are more common for older adults; however, the possibility of a serious slip and fall injury is not limited to any demographic. A slip and fall can result from a scenario as simple as slipping on spilled water in a restaurant and sustaining injuries.
Falls can also be a result of negligence on both public and private property. This is called “premises liability” when the injury was caused by some type of unsafe or defective condition. If the owner’s negligence has resulted in a dangerous condition and damage was sustained, then the plaintiff would be eligible to sue for damages.
Top 5 Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents:
- Spinal Cord
A spinal cord injury is defined as damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. An injury to one of these often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other bodily functions below the site of injury. One of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries is falling. Falls cause more than one fourth of all spinal cord injuries. Individuals over 65 are more prone to spinal cord injuries resulting from a fall than any other age group.
- Head Injury – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction. TBI is the major cause of death and disability, contributing to about 30% of all injury deaths. The leading cause of TBI is falls which accounts for about 40% of all TBI cases in the US.
- Hip Fractures
One of the most common causes of hip fracture is falling, and most often a result of a fall from standing height. It almost always requires surgical repair or replacement, usually followed by many months of physical therapy. A hip fracture is a serious injury that in some cases can be life threatening.
- Shoulder Dislocation
The shoulder is one of the easiest joints to dislocate due to the fact that it’s the body’s most mobile joint and can turn in many directions. A shoulder can be caused by falling onto your shoulder, especially a hard service, and trying to break a fall with your hand. Both partial and complete dislocation can cause pain and unsteadiness in the shoulder.
- Sprains
Sprains occur when a twist in the ligament occurs so violently it causes pain and swelling but not dislocation. A joint can sprain when one falls or lands on an arm or falls and lands on the side of their foot; typically occurring in the ankle, knee, or wrist. Sprains can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and not being able to move or use the certain joint; and can mild to severe.
We accept slip and fall injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there will be no cost to you, unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Let our experienced California personal injury lawyers help you and your loved ones get through this difficult time. Our dedicated and caring team of injury attorneys will be available to you 24/7. Call us at 888.546.5315 for a free consultation.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/basics/causes/con-20023837
http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/basics/definition/con-20029302
http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adulthipfx.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hip-fracture/basics/definition/con-20021033
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00035
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/dislocated-separated-shoulder
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains-and-strains/basics/causes/con-20020958
