Falls are considered to be one of the primary causes of unintentional injuries in the United States according to information from NCS–the National Safety Council. In fact, falls account for almost nine million trips to the emergency room each year.
Ongoing treatment is necessary for many fall victims, as well as rehabilitation and therapy. Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that the direct medical costs related to falls are around $30 billion each year.
If you are involved in a slip and fall accident, you may wonder what type of injuries may occur. Some of the most common are found here.
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
Over 95 percent of hip fractures result from falls. Hip fractures usually require time in the hospital, as well as surgery, which is then followed by time in a nursing home to receive extensive rehabilitation. One out of every five hip fracture patients will die within a period of one year after their accident 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.