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5 Types of Injuries That Can Occur in a Slip and Fall Accident
While injuries can occur in a variety of different ways, some of the most common situations that give rise to personal injury claims or lawsuits involve slip and fall accidents. These accidents can occur in multiple locations, including people's homes, workplaces, or public places. While they may seem minor, slip and fall accidents often result in serious injuries. Because property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe and free of hazards, a victim who was injured in an accident that took place because of unsafe conditions may be able to pursue compensation from the person who was responsible. To determine the best ways to handle these situations, victims will want to speak to an experienced attorney.
Common Injuries in Fall Accidents
There are many different types of injuries that can occur in a slip and fall accident. Some of the most common include:
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Broken bones - The impact that occurs when a person falls to the ground or to a solid surface such as a tile floor or a concrete sidewalk can cause multiple types of fractures. These fractures may affect multiple parts of the body, including the elbows, wrists, hips, or knees. Broken bones can be extremely painful, and depending on the severity of the fracture, they may require surgery to heal properly. In some cases, serious fractures may even result in long-term disability.
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Head injuries - If a person falls and hits their head on the ground or on an object, they may suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can have drastic effects, but unfortunately, their symptoms may not begin to appear until several days or even weeks later. These symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, sensory problems such as sensitivity to light and sound, problems with bodily coordination and balance, sleep disorders, or mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or irritability. In serious cases, a TBI can have life-long consequences, including neurological disorders such as epilepsy or even death.
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Neck injuries - Whiplash may occur in a fall accident if a victim's head is suddenly jerked forward or backward in the impact. This can cause the neck muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range of motion, and it may also damage the nerves in the cervical spine. This can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the neck, as well as numbness or tingling in the arms and shoulders.
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Back injuries - A serious fall may cause damage to the spinal cord, as well as strained muscles in the back. This can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In some cases, these injuries may result in herniated discs in the spine, which can cause severe pain or even paralysis.
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Soft tissue injuries - These injuries may involve damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in different parts of the body. Sprains, strained muscles, or dislocated joints that occur in a fall can be extremely painful, and they may require weeks or even months of physical therapy to recover from fully.
Contact Our Milwaukee, WI Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away, even if you do not think you have been seriously injured. Some types of injuries, such as head injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Once you have been seen by a doctor, you should then contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, LLP, our Milwaukee slip and fall injury attorneys can help you determine your best options for recovering compensation. Call us today at 414-271-1440 to get the legal help you need.
Sources:
https://www.impactmedicalgroup.com/personal-injury-accident/slip-and-fall-accident/
https://westcareclinics.com/personal-injury/slip-fall-accidents/
