Many slip-and-fall incidents result in limited injuries. The person who falls might suffer a soft tissue injury. They expect to make a full recovery relatively quickly. While that is likely in many cases, other injuries sustained in a same-level fall can have lasting financial and medical implications for the person who fell.
Those hurt because of unsafe property conditions may have the option of filing a premises liability lawsuit against a business or landlord. If a slip-and-fall results in one of the three injuries briefly outlined below, there may be reason to consider pursuing compensation, as an injury could ultimately prove more costly than an injured person initially anticipates.
1. Broken bones
Most fractures or broken bones respond well to modern medical care. Physicians provide emergency trauma services that result in a nearly full recovery. However, the cost of treating a fracture can be higher than people expect.
Some patients have to undergo surgery. Others may need to attend physical therapy to regain their strength and range of motion. Additionally, a broken bone could force a professional to take time off work or to move to light-duty functions at work. Going without income due to a leave of absence or adjusting to reduced income due to light-duty job functions can put financial pressure on people who fall.
2. Nerve injuries
Fractures, especially among older adults, could potentially lead to nerve damage. Nerve damage might also be possible if people flail when they fall. Their attempts to protect themselves from injury might ultimately result in a nerve getting pinched, torn or crushed when they fall. Nerve damage can lead to chronic pain symptoms or mobility challenges. People may have significant medical expenses and could also face reduced earning potential because of their symptoms.
3. Traumatic brain injuries
If people hit their heads when they fall, they are at risk of relatively serious expenses. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by same-level falls can alter a person’s mood and cognitive function. Their fine motor skills and sense of balance could change. Not only do TBIs create significant medical expenses, but they can also reduce an individual’s earning potential.
People who fall may need to see a doctor to diagnose their injuries and obtain the best long-term prognosis. They often require support as they look into their options for offsetting their injury-related expenses, and that’s okay. Seeking appropriate compensation after a slip-and-fall requires first recognizing the potential consequences of the injuries produced.
