Watch Out for These Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall injuries are unfortunately common across Louisiana and can occur just about anywhere, from the grocery store to the home of a family friend. While some people are fortunate enough to dust themselves off and get up with only minor bruises, falling accidents can easily result in astronomical medical bills and long-term physical difficulties.

Injuries Frequently Experienced in Slip and Fall Accidents

Many accident victims are surprised by how much damage can be done to the body in a handful of moments during a simple fall. While anyone can be seriously injured tripping on stairs or slipping on a wet floor, these types of accidents are especially dangerous for the elderly or people with pre-existing physical conditions. Common injuries sustained while falling can include:

• Bone fractures – It’s particularly easy for victims to break bones in the hands, wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees during a trip and fall.
• Neck, back, and shoulder injuries – When these areas of the body are hurt in any fall there is a strong possibility of developing chronic pain conditions that could require physical therapy to address.
• Soft tissue damage – Ligaments and tendons are susceptible to damage from the force of a fall. These injuries are particularly concerning because symptoms may not appear immediately and could appear unexpectedly weeks later if they aren’t caught early.
• Spinal cord injury – Nerve or bone damage to the spinal cord may result in permanent paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
• Traumatic brain injuries – Striking your head in a fall may lead to a wide range of potential behavioral, cognitive, and physical challenges depending on the location of the wound and the extent of the damage to brain tissue.
• Wrongful death – In these sad cases where a victim doesn’t survive the injury, a surviving family member has the option to bring a wrongful death suit against the negligent party who caused the accident.

How to Protect Yourself After Being Hurt in a Fall

Thankfully, accident victims have a legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue compensation for damages stemming from the fall. Depending on the specifics of your injury, those damages may be extensive.

That’s one reason why it is extremely important to head to the emergency room directly after reporting the fall. Seeing a doctor establishes a paper trail that clearly shows when and how the injury occurred. From there, your attorney can show a jury how that injury has impacted your daily routine and ability to earn a living. With the help of a lawyer, you can seek compensation for:

• The initial emergency room visit and hospital stay.
• Other medical bills from the injury, including future costs if you need additional surgery or physical therapy down the line.
• Income you lost while recovering, whether you are an hourly employee, salaried worker, or are self-employed.
• Impacts to your future earning potential in cases where the injury prevents you from returning to work.
• Non-economic damages covering reduced quality of life, emotional suffering, and physical pain caused by the slip and fall injury.

In order to make a full financial recovery after a slip and fall, your attorney will need to thoroughly investigate the accident and determine who is specifically liable. That person may be a store manager or owner, the insurance provider of a homeowner, or someone else entirely. When the negligent party is identified, your attorney can effectively tell your story to a jury and ensure they fully understand how the accident occurred, such as by failing to fix problems like:

• Broken or absent handrails
• Debris left in walkways
• Inadequate lighting
• Lack of safety features around pools
• Slippery surfaces
• Uneven or broken flooring

Get Help Holding the At-Fault Party Responsible for Your Louisiana Slip and Fall Injury

No matter where you fell or what type of injury you sustained, you need a legal professional on your side who will fight for your rights and pursue a financial recovery alongside your physical healing. The Scott Vicknair law firm wants to know about your case and help you decide on the next steps to take. Schedule a consultation to find out how our trial-ready team can assist you today.