Slipping and falling is more than just an embarrassment—it can be deadly. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, there are over 1 million visits to the hospital emergency room each year because of slip and fall injuries. Slip and fall injuries can be particularly hazardous for older people and are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
So how do slip and falls occur? There are a variety of ways it can happen. Here are a few common examples:
- Poorly lit areas
- Wet or uneven surfaces
- Weather conditions,
- Nursing home neglect
- Improper training on the job
- Faulty footwear
Slipping and falling on a surface can result in anything from just a bruise to a head injury that could potentially be fatal.
Here are a few of the most common slip and fall injuries that are possible.
HEAD INJURIES
Slip and fall incidents can cause traumatic brain injuries and are the leading cause of brain injuries. Brain injuries can be anywhere from a minor concussion that will be fine after a couple of day’s rest to very severe injuries that cause seizures, cognitive function, or even death.
HIP FRACTURES
Hip fractures are very painful injuries, which are almost exclusively caused by falls. These injuries typically require surgery, long-term hospitalization, and an artificial hip.
BACK AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Because of the impact in a slip and fall incident, there’s a potential risk of fractured vertebrates or slipped or herniated discs. Not only is this painful, but it’s also potentially life-altering: spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis as well as permanent neurological damage. This could mean large hospital bills, round-the-clock care, and thousands of dollars of lost wages.
SHOULDER INJURIES
Shoulder injuries are also another common occurrence in slip and fall accidents. If you fall on it just right, you can easily dislocate a shoulder. Although not as severe as a head, hip, or spinal cord injury, a dislocated shoulder will still require surgery and an extensive amount of rehabilitation to get full use of your arm again.
SPRAINS AND FRACTURES
Sprains and fractures are also common after a slip and fall accident and are caused by the sudden and high impact of landing on the ground. This hard landing can cause someone to twist their ankle and break their bones.
A slip and fall injury can be devastating. You don’t have to go through it alone. If someone else is responsible for the conditions that led to your slip and fall injuries, they could be required to pay for your medical debt or lost wages. If you’ve been in a slip and fall accident in Georgia, call the Fry Law Team at (404) 948-3571 to set up a consultation today.
