Slip and fall accidents are a very common reason for emergency room visits, and they can cause lost work productivity, lost wages, and severe pain. Recovering from these incidents usually requires extensive medical care and physical rehabilitation.

In these situations, hiring a slip and fall injury lawyer may be the best option to receive compensation if you were injured by someone else’s negligence.

The most common injuries after slip and fall accidents include:

  • broken bones
  • knee damage
  • back and spinal cord injuries
  • sprained wrists and ankles
  • head injuries
  • cuts and bruises

Let’s take a closer look at the most common injuries caused by slip and fall incidents.

Broken Bones

One very common injury you may sustain after a slip and fall accident is a broken bone. Bones break when there’s too much pressure applied; more than the bone can withstand.

When you fall, the fall produces a force on bones throughout your body, and if that force is too strong, you may end up with a broken bone. In most cases, people involved in these incidents sustain wrist, ankle, and hip fractures.

These injuries require some time to heal, and if you are injured, you have the right to file a negligence claim.

Knee Damage

Knee damage is also very common, and it usually results from twisting as you fall. You should be aware that knee damage can be dangerous and may require a long time to heal.

Knees are very complicated, and besides ligament tears, there’s also the risk of dislocating your patella. In some cases, if the injury is too severe, you may even need a knee reconstruction.

Since knee damage can be quite complex and serious, if you are injured in a slip and fall accident, it would be the best idea to consult a lawyer for help.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

When you slip and fall, the force that’s produced can fracture your vertebrae or contribute to slipped or herniated discs. These injuries can be very painful, and they may limit your mobility.

When the spinal cord is injured, it can result in temporary or permanent paralysis and other sensory and neurological impairments. You are especially susceptible to these injuries if you are a senior since your body is more fragile.

Sprained Wrists or Ankles

Sprained ankles and wrists occur when you make an uneven or unusual step and put your arms out to cushion the fall. If the ligaments in your ankle or wrist tear, you may sustain a sprain or a strain. Even though something like this doesn’t sound like a severe injury, the recovery period can be quite long.

These injuries can interfere with your life and prevent you from doing basic daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, or even walking.

Head Injury

Many people are not aware of this, but all types of head injuries should be treated as medical emergencies. Even when a head injury appears to be minor, you should seek immediate medical care, especially when bleeding, swelling, or loss of consciousness are involved.

Minor concussions clear up on their own in most situations, but in the case of serious traumatic brain injuries, the incident may permanently alter your ability to function. These injuries often produce only minimal symptoms at first. That’s why it is crucial to go to a doctor immediately, no matter how minor your head injury may seem.

Cuts and Bruises

Cuts and bruises are less severe consequences compared to the injuries mentioned above. They are very common and can result from any type of internal or external damage during a fall.

In most cases, cuts and bruises require some stitches or superficial treatment. However, cuts and bruises can also rest atop more severe injuries, such as broken bones and concussions.

What to Do After a slip and fall Incident?

If you sustain injuries during a slip and fall accident that may have been caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

In such a situation, you need to contact a personal injury attorney in Philadelphia, document your medical injuries carefully, and seek medical attention as soon as you are hurt.

Steven L. Chung, Esquire, will guide you through every step of the process, including dealing with the insurance company to help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.