Slip-and-fall accidents aren’t just painful; they can also be terrifying. One moment, you’re strolling through the grocery store, checking items off your list. The next, you’re on your back in the middle of the aisle and nursing a nasty bump to the head.

In some cases, such accidents may lead to even more serious injuries. Some of these injuries can leave you so disabled that you’re unable to work and put food on the table for your family.

Below, learn about five common injuries from slip-and-fall accidents from a slip-and-fall lawyer in Charlotte.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents Can Cause Devastating Injuries

Slip-and-fall accidents are incredibly common. In 2021, nearly seven million people took a trip to the emergency room because of injuries from trips, slips, and falls. The lucky ones end up with just a few bumps and bruises. Those less fortunate may suffer head injuries, broken bones, and spinal damage that leads to paralysis.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are very common after slip-and-fall accidents, and you mustn’t take them lightly. Even a small bump to the head can cause a concussion. People with concussions often improve on their own, but it’s better to be on the safe side and have a doctor examine you if you’ve hit your head.

Slip-and-fall accidents can also cause more serious head injuries with long-lasting, even permanent effects. You may be confused and unable to recognize people, places, and things. You might also become highly irritable, causing you to lash out at loved ones. Some people with head injuries undergo personality changes and have chronic pain as well.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries may include tears in ligaments, wrist sprains, and tendon damage in your ankles. These injuries can be quite painful, but because they’re “invisible,” it’s often difficult to prove how hurt you are in a lawsuit. You’ll likely need a good personal injury lawyer to prevail.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Of all the common injuries from slip-and-fall accidents, spinal cord injuries are among the worst. These injuries involve much more than an achy back. You could have trouble walking or moving your arms if you hurt your spine. You may become paralyzed and end up in a wheelchair.

Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms after a slip-and-fall accident:

  • Inability to feel heat or cold
  • Loss of movement
  • Numbness in your fingers, toes, hands, or feet
  • Extreme pressure or pain in your back, neck, or head
  • Difficulty balancing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Abrasions

Abrasions (a fancy word for cuts) aren’t quite as common as other slip-and-fall injuries. They may occur if you fall on something sharp, like stairs with metal edges or construction equipment.

Abrasions usually heal well on their own, but you might need stitches. There’s also a risk of infection if you don’t keep abrasions clean.

Broken Bones

Broken bones, including hip fractures, are common for victims who fall to a lower level from height. Such injuries are especially prevalent in the construction industry, often requiring workers to climb ladders and scaffolding.

Do not assume you have no broken bones just because you can move your limbs. The only way to know whether you’ve broken a bone is to have a doctor perform an X-ray. It’s important to see a doctor after a fall to have the greatest chance of fully recovering.

What Causes Slip-and-Fall Accidents?

Slip-and-fall accidents are often the result of negligence. For instance, a store owner might fail to clean up a spill, causing a customer to fall into the mess. Or a property owner may leave tools in their yard, causing a guest to trip.

Typical causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:

  • Debris or equipment left on public walkways
  • Wet floors and a lack of warning signs
  • Failure to hang warning signs around hazardous sites or employee-only areas
  • Uneven surfaces
  • A lack of safety training for workers

Slip and fall accidents can lead to significant injuries. Our Lawyer explains common injuries and different legal options for slip and fall accident victims. If you’ve suffered an injury because of a property owner’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages. You can seek compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and lost wages if you cannot work. However, it’s always a good idea to prevent slips and falls, especially in the workplace, to avoid potential injuries and the need for legal action altogether.

We’ll Help You Seek Compensation for Your Slip-and-Fall Accident

If you’ve suffered any of the above common injuries due to a slip-and-fall accident, contact Yale Haymond Law PLLC for guidance. Our attorneys are well versed in navigating personal injury cases, and you pay nothing unless we win your case for you.

To hire a lawyer for personal injury, call us at (704) 800-HELP.