Slip and fall accidents in Coral Springs may seem like minor mishaps, but the reality can be far more serious. The force of a fall can cause a multitude of injuries, ranging from minor discomfort to life-altering consequences.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common injuries you might sustain and their potential long-term effects:
Broken Bones
A fall can easily result in fractures, especially in bones weakened by age or osteoporosis. Commonly broken bones in slip and fall accidents include the wrist, hip, arm, ankle, and leg.
Keep in mind that healing from fractures can be a lengthy process. It may require physical therapy and even surgeries in case of serious breaks. In some cases, it can also lead to permanent mobility problems.
Sprains and Strains
These soft tissue injuries involve stretched or torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles. While sprains and strains may seem minor, they can cause a lot of pain, swelling, and difficulty using the affected area.
Your recovery time will vary depending on the severity of the injury. However, if the sprain or strain is bad, it can linger for weeks or even months.
Head Injuries
A blow to the head during a fall can have serious outcomes for you. Sometimes, a fall may cause only a small bump and mild concussion. More severe concussions can result in headaches, dizziness, nausea, and memory problems.
In serious cases, however, a slip and fall accident can lead to life-threatening brain trauma. This traumatic brain injury can lead to permanent cognitive impairment, coma, and even death.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Falls can damage the delicate structures of the back and spine. This can range from minor strains or tearing the tissues between your spinal vertebrae. In worse cases, these tissues might bulge or rupture, forming a herniated disc.
A herniated disc irritates the nerves near your spine and can result in major pain, muscle weakness, and numbness. In many cases, the symptoms are not immediately visible and manifest over days or weeks.
A severe blow to the spine can also result in spinal fractures. This requires extensive medical treatment, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. In the worst case scenario, it can result in complete or partial paralysis, chronic pain, loss of mobility, and reduces a person’s quality of life.
Neck Injuries
The neck is especially vulnerable in a fall, as it supports the weight of the head. Whiplash, a common neck injury that results from sudden forceful movement, can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches.
More severe neck injuries can involve nerve damage, impacting muscle function and causing long-term limitations.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Lacerations
These are the most common injuries in slip and fall accidents, usually occurring when you fall onto a rough surface. While minor cuts and scrapes typically heal on their own, deeper lacerations may require stitches and leave permanent scarring.
Additionally, there’s a risk of infection if you don’t properly clean and care for the wound.
Internal Injuries
Falls can also cause internal bleeding, especially in the abdomen or chest. You may not notice these injuries immediately apparent but they can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Long-Term Effects
Beyond the immediate pain and discomfort, slip and fall injuries can have long-lasting repercussions, including:
- Chronic Pain: Pain from broken bones, sprains, strains, and nerve damage can become chronic, and can drastically impact a person’s daily life and ability to work.
- Reduced Mobility: Healing from fractures, back injuries, and other fall-related trauma can lead to limitations in mobility. This makes it difficult to perform daily tasks and participate in activities you once enjoyed.
- Psychological Impact: The fear of falling again, along with the emotional stress of dealing with pain and limitations, can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Financial Burden: Medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, and ongoing physical therapy can create a financial burden for victims of slip and fall accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately to diagnose and treat your injuries. Additionally, consulting with a Coral Springs slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your rights and explore your options for obtaining compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.