Common Injuries Resulting from Slip and Fall Accidents

TL;DR: Monsees & Mayer – Slip & Fall Injuries in Missouri & Kansas

 Monsees & Mayer stand with individuals in Missouri and Kansas harmed by slip & fall accidents—whether fractures, head, back or soft tissue injuries—caused by hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or clutter. They guide clients to secure the compensation needed for medical care, recovery, and renewed confidence while holding negligent property owners accountable.

As of 2024, falls continue to be a significant cause of unintentional injuries in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults aged 65 and older. In 2021, the age-adjusted fall death rate was 78.0 per 100,000 older adults, reflecting a 41% increase from 2012.

 

While specific data for 2024 is not yet available, the upward trend in fall-related injuries and fatalities underscores the importance of continued prevention efforts. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that in 2022, 46,653 people died due to falls at home and at work.

 

Given these statistics, it’s crucial to be aware of the common injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents. Some of the most frequent injuries include fractures, head injuries, and sprains. Understanding these risks can aid in prevention and highlight the importance of seeking appropriate medical care if a fall occurs.

Fractures and Sprains

Due to the abrupt movement that occurs with a slip and fall, it may cause you to twist your knee or ankle. Also, landing hard can result in broken bones. In many cases, people who are involved in a slip and fall accident suffer wrist, upper arm, hand, ankle, leg and forearm fractures. Slipping and falling is the leading cause of bone fractures in seniors, according to the CDC.

Shoulder Injuries

If you fall and the impact jolts your shoulder, it can result in a dislocated shoulder joint, which is medically referred to as a brachial plexus injury. This is a system of nerves that connects your shoulder, arm, and hand to the spinal cord. These nerves are easily stretched or even torn if a violent blow forces the shoulder in a downward motion as your head is pushed the opposite way.

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are a prevalent form of common injuries in the United States, with over 300,000 cases occurring annually, predominantly among individuals aged 65 and older (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

 

These injuries often necessitate hospitalization and surgical intervention, followed by extensive rehabilitation in nursing facilities. Alarmingly, studies indicate that the one-year mortality rate after a hip fracture ranges between 20% and 40%, underscoring the severity of such injuries (Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research).

 

The financial implications are substantial, with direct medical costs associated with hip fractures projected to exceed $20 billion annually in the United States (National Library of Medicine).

 

Given these statistics, it’s crucial to be aware of the common injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents. Some of the most frequent injuries include fractures, head injuries, and sprains. Understanding these risks can aid in prevention and highlight the importance of seeking appropriate medical care if a fall occurs.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

A fall can damage the vertebrae in the back or cause a herniated or slipped disc. This can result in limited mobility and significant pain for the victim. Additionally, injuries to the spinal cord can lead to various degrees of paralysis, which includes total loss of function of even sensation in the parts of the body affected.

Head Injuries

Falling is the top cause for a TBI–traumatic brain injury. TBIs can include concussions that clear up after just a few weeks of rest. They can also include more severe injuries that result in ongoing cognitive impairment, seizures, mood changes and an array of other symptoms.

 

If you have suffered a serious injury in a slip and fall accident, then it is best to seek the services of an attorney. You may have the ability to recover compensation for the lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering and the other losses that occur because of the slip and fall accident.