Slip and fall accidents, a category of premises liability personal injury cases, occur when a guest or visitor gets injured on someone else’s private or public property. These injuries can vary greatly in severity, from minor ankle sprains to life-threatening traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Understanding the common types of slip and fall injuries is crucial for determining the necessary steps to take if you need to file a lawsuit. Our experienced Los Angeles injury attorneys are ready to defend you in a slip and fall lawsuit, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What Is a Slip and Fall Injury?
In slip and fall accidents, which differ from trip and falls, a person sustains injuries from slipping on a hazardous or slippery surface, typically falling backward due to a loss of traction and balance. Depending on the specifics of the fall and the type of surface where the person lands, these incidents can result in injuries to the back, hips, extremities, tailbone, or brain.
In a slip and fall lawsuit, the victim, alongside a slip and fall accident attorney, must prove that the property owner or manager acted negligently, failing to exercise reasonable care in maintaining a safe and hazard-free environment for visitors.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Whether you slip and fall down a stairway or lose your balance on a slippery surface due to a leak, there are many ways to get injured in a slip-and-fall accident. Below are some of the most common types of slip and fall injuries.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains fall under the category of soft tissue injuries. Sprains are injuries to the ligaments or joints, while strains are injuries to the muscles or tendons. For example, twisting an ankle from slipping on an icy surface can cause a sprain, while overstretching a muscle to break a fall can result in a strain.
Although accidents causing sprains or strains may not be as severe as those resulting in brain injuries, they can still be significant enough to warrant filing a slip-and-fall case.
Fractures
Fractures, which are partial or full breaks in the bone, occur when the bone fails to withstand the amount of pressure applied. Fractures can range from simple, clean breaks to more complex cases where the bone shatters or protrudes through the skin.
The severity and impact of a fracture can justify legal action in a slip and fall case, as they may lead to long-term disability and significant medical expenses.
Head Injuries
Head injuries occur from direct blows to the head or sudden jolts that cause the brain to move or twist within the skull. Whether a mild concussion or TBI, these injuries can result in distressing symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, or cognitive impairments. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of TBI.
The potential for long-term or life-threatening complications makes head injuries particularly dangerous. Immediate medical attention is crucial to assess and reduce the impact of injury.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries are among the most severe consequences of slip and fall accidents. These injuries can result from direct trauma to the back or from falls that jolt the spine.
They can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and in extreme cases, paralysis. Spinal cord injuries, in particular, can be life-altering, requiring long-term care and rehabilitation.
Cuts and Bruises
While these injuries may seem minor compared to the others listed above, they can still cause pain and inconvenience. Cuts can range from abrasions at the surface to deep lacerations requiring stitches, and bruises can lead to hematomas.
Documenting all injuries, including cuts and bruises, is crucial in building a strong personal injury claim following a slip-and-fall accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Slip and Fall Attorney
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident. We then suggest contacting a slip-and-fall accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles for guidance on how to navigate the legal process. Our top-tier attorneys will fight on your behalf to help you secure the rightful compensation you deserve.
John J. Perlstein, one of the best slip and fall lawyers (Los Angeles), has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Reach us at (213) 583-5786 or fill out the form on our website to schedule a free consultation with a slip-and-fall attorney (Irvine). This consultation will allow us to determine how we can secure the best possible outcome for your case.