Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Lever & Ecker, PLLC July 23, 2015 Slip Trip & Fall

Slip and fall injuries can vary greatly, from a few bruises to a broken back.  Injuries sustained depend entirely on the situation, including what the victim slipped or tripped on and the physical condition of the victim.  A large percentage of slip and fall victims are elderly, which puts them at a higher risk for injuries if they do slip and fall.  This is why it is imperative for building managers and property owners to be alert to make sure that their environment is safe for people of all ages and physical condition.

What Kind of Injuries Can I Sustain From a Slip and Fall Accident?

We’ve created a brief list of common slip and fall injuries for you below:

Neck, Back and Spine Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can result in injuries to the victims neck, back, and spine.  Injuries in these areas are notoriously difficult to treat and can be extremely painful.  Injuries such as a broken back, a slipped or herniated disk, and pulled muscles can all result from slipping, tripping, and falling, or even from one trying to catch themselves as they fall.  These injuries could cause chronic pain and in some cases can only be fixed with surgery.  These types of injuries can also prevent people from going back to work.

Broken Bones
A slip and fall can result in broken ankles, legs, wrists, arms and more seriously a broken hip or pelvis.  Any broken bone can accrue medical bills and potentially force the victim to take time off of work, but a broken hip or pelvis, especially in an elderly person, can result in extended rehabilitation center stays and potentially even a hip replacement.  Slip and falls can also cause serious knee injuries that might require knee replacement surgery.

Head Injuries
A slip and fall accident could cause the victim brain injuries, ranging from a concussion to a traumatic brain injury.  The victim’s head hitting the ground could cause severe, life long consequences.  If the victim suffers brain damage they may need extensive rehabilitation, requiring them to take time off of work while also being extremely costly.  Brain damage resulting from a slip and fall can cause mobility issues, memory problems, behavioral problems, and cognition issues.

Torn Ligaments and Tendons
Torn tendons and ligaments can occur in the victims feet, knees, legs, or wrists and be very painful.  Most tears, regardless of where they are, take months to heal and can be treated with physical therapy or in more serious cases, surgery.

Is the Property Owner Liable?

An important part of slip and fall cases is to prove that the property owner knew of a dangerous condition and was negligent about it.  Lawyers must show that:

• The owner created the condition;
• The owner knew the condition existed and negligently failed to correct it; or
• The condition existed for such a length of time that the owner should have discovered and corrected it prior to the slip and fall incident in question.

For the property owner to be held liable in your case, it must be proved that the owner had knowledge that his negligence would create a dangerous situation on his property.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

1. Remain Calm and Regain Your Composure
A slip and fall can be extremely startling and potentially painful.  Take a minute to calm down, slow your breathing and heart rate, and clear your head.

2. Observe your surroundings
It is extremely important to take very detailed notes of your surroundings at the time of the accident.  If you know what caused your slip and fall, note it and take some pictures of the area if you can.  If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.

2. Go See a Medical Professional
Even if you do not feel that you are hurt from the accident it is important to see a medical professional immediately anyway.  They will be able to make sure that you are free of any injury that you may not have noticed yourself and will be able to professionally document any injury.  This documentation will be very important if in the future you decide to file a slip and fall injury claim.

3. Contact an experienced slip and fall attorney
An experienced slip and fall attorney will be able to help you navigate the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit and ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.  It is important to contact a slip and fall attorney right away to ensure that your claim is filed correctly and timely.

Lever & Eckeryers

At Lever & Ecker we have helped many slip and fall victims over the years and are dedicated to recovering maximum compensation for our clients for their injuries.  If you have been injured in a slip or trip and fall accident in New York, contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.  Our personal injury lawyers will help you understand your legal options and pinpoint the best course of action based on your case.