More than 2,000 people get injured every day and end up in hospitals because of falls in the United States. Depending on the place and the manner in which the slip and fall accident occurred, victims could end up sustaining a range of injuries. 

According to research, 19.9% of workplace injuries are from slips and falls. These could result in several restrictions and days off from work. Employees can file a workplace slip and fall injury claim to get compensated for the accident. 

Understanding the common injuries produced in a slip and fall accident is vital. It helps pinpoint the risks involved.

Head Injuries

One of the most dreaded results of a slip and fall is a head injury. A seemingly ‘non-dangerous’ fall can lead to a concussion or more serious traumatic brain injury (TBI). Victims may experience: 

  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches that linger

Severe TBIs can lead to lasting cognitive dysfunction, emotional changes, or permanent disability.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Falls, especially from heights like for example, in a construction site, usually impact the back. Injuries resulting from such can range from mere muscle strain to full spinal cord damage. 

If you sustain injuries like a disc herniation, fractured spinal cord, or nerve compression, it can result in ongoing pain and reduced mobility. In extreme cases, it could lead to paralysis that completely changes your life. 

Such injuries are hazardous since it is not always easy to determine the extent at first glance. That is why it is important to seek immediate medical treatment.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The wrist, forearm, hip, ankle, and collarbone are commonly fractured in slip and fall accidents. When falling, you may try to break the fall with an arm or a hip, which could lead to a fracture. 

Hip fractures are very common in senior citizens, and they typically require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Even younger victims are likely to have weeks or months of limited mobility and recovery time.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue damage such as sprains, strains, and tears are often overlooked because it may not be visible. Nonetheless, these injuries can cause intense pain, swelling, and sometimes loss of mobility. 

Unless treated, these injuries can lead to chronic pain and ongoing injury. Knee and ankle sprains are very common in slip and falls.

Cuts and Bruises

While cuts and bruises can appear superficial compared to other injuries, they can be extremely painful and even result in complications. Deep lacerations can require stitches and leave some scarring. 

When left untreated, a cut can lead to infection, sepsis, or even damage to the tissue underneath. This can be life-threatening and may result in amputation. Additionally, a visible bruise could also reflect invisible trauma to bone or muscle beneath the skin.

Conclusion

A slip and a fall may take only an instant, but injuries that follow take months or even years to recover from. Creating awareness of the type of injuries that can be sustained is important. You also need to know your rights as per the law, particularly if the fall happened within a specific setting such as work.