Slip and fall accidents are on the rise and this is due to a wide range of factors ranging from construction errors to an unsafe work environment. As a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer, there are several types of injuries that have been reported as a result of this, some more common than others.
While many people are embarrassed about accidents like this and may even blame themselves, there is a need to understand that speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you better understand whether you are truly at fault and what steps need to be taken in the event a personal injury claim needs to be filed.
Slip and fall accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some mild, while others can be fatal. Ranging from a sprained wrist to shoulder or hip injuries, there are several injuries that can be sustained as a result of such an accident as this.
Below are some of the most common, serious injuries that victims can suffer as a result of slip and fall accidents.
A Pulled Muscle Or Stretched Tendons
The body’s reflexes can be sharp and in such cases like this, it may be your undoing as your body, in response to the shock of falling might tense your muscles causing a twist in anticipation for the painful result of such a fall. The overextension of the tendons and the painful stretching of the muscles may lead to injuries.
Sprained And Broken Wrists And Ankles
When you are about to fall, it is a common reaction that your body attempts to reflexively break the fall thus limiting the impact and protecting vital organs. However, this reflective move can lead to even greater injuries depending on the type of fall and other factors. You may, in the end, notice that in an attempt to stabilize yourself, you may have twisted or broken your ankle or wrists.
Fractured Clavicle
As this sounds, it is indeed painful. A fractured clavicle could be as a result of a forward thrust or falling forward on the chest. When the collarbone makes contact with a hard surface forcefully, it could shatter.
Tailbone Bruises Or Fractures
While you may suffer a fractured clavicle from falling forward, you can also suffer bruises or fractures to the tailbone when you fall backward. Tailbone fractures or bruises are caused when you instinctively and reflexively extend your buttocks so that it can absorb the painful impact with a hard surface. In most cases, such a force, upon impact can travel to the tail bone causing it to fracture and leading to painful sensations.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Similar to tailbone fractures, falling on your back may lead to spinal cord injuries, especially when the force of impact is directed at the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries may take the form of spinal chips, damaged nerves, or in some cases complete damage to the spinal cord.
Head And Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries can arise as a result of slip and fall injuries. Whiplash and neck injuries may also occur as a result of forward or backward falling of the victim during the accident. Traumatic Brain Injuries can be fatal and in some cases lead to the death of the affected victim. It is recommended that victims of slip and fall injuries who have hit their heads should seek appropriate and prompt medical aid.
After having suffered any of the above-mentioned injuries as a result of slip and fall accident, you should know exactly the steps to take in order to protect your health and also to ensure that you get the best of the claim case.
Call 911 If You Need Medical Attention
If you have suffered injuries like spinal cord injuries, head and neck injuries, broken limbs and more as a result of the slip and fall accident, it is recommended that you call on emergency medical service personnel informing them of the type of injury you have suffered and requesting for immediate medical assistance.
Take Pictures Of The Area, Hazards, And The Injuries Sustained
As a means of evidence gathering, it is recommended that you take as many photos of the accident area, the hazards which had led to the accident and all injuries sustained. In addition, be sure to obtain a copy of your medical report detailing the injuries which you have suffered.
Request Surveillance Video
This will also form a part of the pieces of evidence to be presented during your personal injury claim.
Other steps to take include:
- Gathering of witness information and testimony
- Follow medical treatment while aiming for a full recovery
- Consult with a personal injury attorney