TYPES OF SLIP-AND-FALL INJURIES

Slip-and-fall injuries are among the most common types of personal injury cases in the United States. These types of lawsuits can range from consisting of minor claims and injuries to severe injuries with a significant amount of damages. 

Regardless of the extent of your slip-and-fall injuries, it’s essential to retain an experienced personal injury lawyer right away in order to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Here at Sette Law, our personal injury attorneys are eager to fight for your rights by representing you and your claim. 

If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, let Sette Law help.

COMMON INJURIES SUFFERED FROM SLIPS AND FALLS

While any injury can stem from a slip-and-fall incident, there are some types of accidents that are more common than others. The type of injury that is sustained from a slip and fall is typically the direct result of how the victim actually fell down. Generally speaking, slip-and-fall incidents in which the victim falls backward often lead to more serious injuries than in situations where the victim falls forward. 

In addition to how the victim falls, the age of the victim also plays a significant role in determining the severity of the injuries that the victim sustains from the fall. For example, victims who are older are typically more likely to experience severe injuries due to having more fragile bodies and slower reaction times. 

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls are the second leading cause of injury-related death for people between the ages of 65 and 85 years old and are the leading cause of injury-related death for people who are 85 years or older. 

Some of the most common injuries that occur from slip-and-fall incidents include: 

SOFT TISSUE INJURIES, ABRASIONS, AND LACERATIONS

Soft tissue injuries, such as bruising, abrasions, and even minor cuts, are common with slip-and-fall accidents. Fortunately, for fall victims, they tend to be the least severe and can be remedied relatively quickly with proper medical care. 

BONE FRACTURES

Bone fractures are a common injury for slip-and-fall victims, especially hip and collar bone fractures. These types of injuries are usually seen among older and more fragile slip-and-fall victims. Some fractures can be healed rather quickly, while others may lead to chronic pain for the victim.

SPRAINED JOINTS

Sprained joints sustained from a slip-and-fall injury can vary significantly in severity. Some sprains can be resolved in as little as six weeks, whereas other sprains may take at least a year for the victim to recover.

KNEE INJURIES

Falling in an awkward manner can cause a knee injury, ranging from mild sprains and bruises to more severe fractures. Common types of knee injuries can include abrasions and injuries to the ligaments surrounding the knee, including a torn meniscus or ACL. 

SHOULDER DISLOCATION

These types of injuries typically result in a victim falling on their side. This could be from putting pressure on a railing that gives out or a trip that results in their full body weight crushing against their shoulder. These injuries can be particularly uncomfortable for the victim and may require extensive recovery time.

SPINAL INJURIES AND NERVE DAMAGE

Damaging the vertebrae along the neck and spine causes injuries ranging from mild nerve discomfort to a more severe injury that causes paralysis. The location along the spine where the injury has happened will determine the type and severity of the injury that follows, as the spine is broken into three major parts: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. 

BRAIN INJURIES

Brain injuries are difficult regardless of the cause, so it’s unsurprising to learn that brain injuries are among the more severe types of injuries in any slip-and-fall incident. The most common types of brain injuries include: 

Concussion

Concussions and injury to the head or face, broken teeth, a dislocated nose, and lacerations are some of the most serious and common types of injuries that can result from a head injury after a slip-and-fall accident. 

Other TBIs

Another subset of head injuries includes traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can result from a slip and fall, although this is very rare. A TBI is when the brain experiences severe trauma from a blow, lack of oxygen to the brain, or from an object impaling the brain. 

STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU HAVE SUFFERED A SLIP AND FALL

If you’ve suffered a severe injury, such as a head or neck injury, you may need immediate medical care first. Even if your injuries are minor, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, especially as it will be useful in building your case down the line. It’s essential to abide by the following checklist after a slip-and-fall incident in order to ensure that your health and rights are adequately accounted for:

  • Seek medical care: A licensed medical doctor can assess and diagnose your injuries. Your medical records establish your slip-and-fall accident injuries, which is crucial for two reasons — a diagnosis allows you to receive appropriate treatment, and your medical records are vital to a slip-and-fall claim.
  • Document the scene: Make notes, take pictures, and record video of the accident site. Documenting can help establish the accident’s cause and determine if someone’s negligence caused your accident. 
  • Collect contact information: Get names and contact information for any witnesses
  • File an accident report: You may also need to file a report or inform the manager if your accident occurred on public property or at work
  • Talk to a slip-and-fall lawyer: Slip-and-fall lawyers offer free consultations so you can discover your legal options after your accident

HOW LONG AFTER A SLIP AND FALL DO I HAVE TO FILE A CLAIM?

If you have been injured due to a slip-and-fall accident in California, it’s essential to know that the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. In situations where the injury was not initially noticeable, the statute of limitations in California is one year from the date of discovery. Additionally, in situations where a government entity caused the injuries, the statute of limitations is only six months from the date of the injury.

If you are unsure whether your claims have exceeded the statute of limitations, be sure to discuss these concerns with an experienced personal injury attorney at Sette Law. 

IT IS CRITICAL TO GET TREATED BY A DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

As is the case with any personal injury, seeking medical attention from a licensed professional is the most essential first step you can take. Not only does this ensure you begin your path to recovery, but it also ensures that you have adequate medical documents to rely on when building your legal argument. 

WHAT DAMAGES CAN I RECOVER IF I HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A SLIP AND FALL?

Economic damages and non-economic damages are the most commonly awarded damages in any personal injury case. It is likely you will be awarded these damages for your slip-and-fall claims.

Economic damages cover the financial burdens that have been incurred following your injury. Common economic damages include the following: 

  • Lost wages
  • Medical bills
  • Personal care costs
  • Transportation costs

Non-economic damages reimburse you for the accident’s toll on your emotional and physical health. Some of the most common reasons to seek non-economic damages include: 

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Loss of intimacy
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

HOW CAN A SLIP-AND-FALL LAWYER HELP ME?

Regardless of the extent of your injuries from a slip-and-fall accident, you are still entitled to compensation if your fall was caused by someone else’s negligence. 

Having a slip-and-fall attorney represent you is essential to your success, as an experienced attorney will provide you with the following services: 

  • Ensure your fall is reported to the right agencies, including the property owner, the local police department, insurance companies, and other relevant entities
  • Collect evidence that helps prove your case. This includes the photos, surveillance footage, witness statements, hospital bills, and other documentation.
  • Speak with involved parties and file appropriate documentation in a timely manner
  • Determine your damages and the type and amount of compensation you are entitled to
  • Negotiate a fair settlement with the negligent parties
  • Represent you during the trial if your case goes to court

IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A SLIP AND FALL IN SACRAMENTO, LET THE EXPERTS AT SETTE LAW HELP

Sette Law is here to help you recover damages following your Sacramento, California, slip-and-fall incident. Our attorneys will prepare and file the legal paperwork, use investigation skills to locate the evidence needed to support your claim and build an impenetrable legal argument on your behalf. 

With Sette Law on your side, you can focus on your recovery and still get the compensation you deserve.

Don’t delay; there is a deadline for filing your claim. Call Sette Law today.

SOURCES: 

Barret, S. Types of Personal Injury Damages and Compensation.

Statute of Limitations.