Common Injuries in Slip-and-Fall Accident Cases

If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Businesses, government agencies, homeowners’ associations, and other property owners and tenants have a legal duty to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors, and when they breach this duty, they can—and should—be held accountable. You can file a claim regardless of the type of injury you suffered, and you can seek just compensation for your costs both now and in the future.

The following are all common injuries from slip-and-fall accidents for which financial compensation may be available:

Ankle Injuries

Ankle injuries are easily among the most common injuries suffered in slip-and-fall accidents. Sprains, strains and fractures are all common. Along with pain in the ankle joint, other common signs of a potentially serious ankle injury include:

• A “popping” or “grinding” sound or sensation
• Bruising
• Instability
• Limited range of motion
• Swelling

Treatment needs for ankle injuries depend on their nature and severity. While rest, ice, compression and elevation (the “RICE” method) will suffice in some cases, in others surgery may be necessary. To make sure you get the treatment you need, you should see a doctor as soon after your accident as possible.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are common in slip-and-fall accident cases as well. Hitting the ground during a fall can cause various types of injuries, particularly (though not exclusively) in the lower back. Some of the most common back injuries from slip-and-fall accidents include:

• Compression injuries
• Herniated discs (slipped discs)
• Lower back pain
• Soft tissue injuries (muscle, ligament and tendon injuries)
• Vertebrae fractures

Here, too, treatment needs can vary widely. In all cases, however, back injuries need to be taken very seriously. If you are experiencing back pain after a slip-and-fall accident in Pennsylvania, you should see a doctor promptly, and you should talk to a lawyer about seeking to recover your costs as soon as possible.

Concussions

Individuals who hit their head during a slip-and-fall accident risk suffering a concussion. Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and while classified as “mild,” they are still potentially serious injuries that require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Some of the telltale signs of a concussion resulting from a fall include:

• Severe headaches
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Ringing in the ears
• Confusion or short-term memory loss

Concussions are treatable injuries, and most people who are diagnosed with them will be able to make a full recovery. However, rest is essential, and this may mean taking time off from work. If you have a claim for a slip-and-fall accident in Pennsylvania, your lawyer can help you seek just compensation not only for your medical costs but also for your other financial (and non-financial) costs.

Hip Injuries

Hip injuries are also common in slip-and-fall accident cases. Falling on your hip can cause significant internal trauma—including fractures in some cases. While some people experience sharp pain immediately, others may not begin to notice symptoms until days or weeks after their fall. In any case, prompt medical intervention is important for mitigating the risk of long-term (or permanent) complications.

While hip injuries can be painful and debilitating for anyone, they can be especially dangerous for older individuals. As we age, our bones become more brittle—and this means that they are more prone to significant and irreparable damage. In the most severe cases, a total hip replacement may be necessary, and this brings with it a host of potential surgical complications.

Knee Injuries

Knee sprains, strains and tears are common injuries in slip-and-fall accident cases as well. If you lose your footing on a slippery surface, this can cause your knee to bend or twist in a way that it isn’t supposed to. The more severe this unnatural bend or twist, the more serious its potential consequences. Here, too, treatment needs can range from rest to surgery—and the costs of treatment and recovery can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Similar to ankle injuries, common symptoms of knee injuries from slips and falls include pain, instability, limited range of motion, swelling, and other abnormal feelings or sounds.

Severe Lacerations

Another common risk associated with slipping suddenly and unexpectedly is the risk of suffering severe cuts or lacerations. If you fall onto a sharp object, the forces generated during the fall can be more than enough to cause a serious injury. Severe lacerations to the legs, arms, and face are all common—and they can all require stitches or sutures to fully heal. In many cases, severe lacerations will leave permanent scars, and these are considered a form of “non-financial loss” for which financial compensation may be available.

Wrist Injuries

When we slip and fall, our natural response is to try to brace for impact with our hands. However, this results in wrist injuries in many cases. If you hurt your wrist attempting to protect yourself during a slip-and-fall accident in Pennsylvania, your wrist injury will be covered to the same extent as any other injuries you sustained as a result of your fall.

Again, these are just some of the most common examples of injuries from slip-and-fall accidents. These are not the only injuries for which slip-and-fall accident victims can seek just compensation. If you are facing medical bills and other costs after suffering any type of serious injury on public or private property, you can—and should—talk to a lawyer about filing a claim for just compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania

Do you have questions about seeking just compensation after a slip-and-fall accident in Pennsylvania? If so, our lawyers can explain everything you need to know and help you make smart decisions about your next steps. For a free consultation in Allentown, Bethlehem, Doylestown, Easton or Stroudsburg, call us at 888-777-7098 or tell us how we can help online today.