One out of every five falls results in a severe injury such as head trauma or broken bones. According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, slips and falls top the charts of causes of traumatic brain injuries. More than 2.5 million elderly individuals get admitted to emergency rooms to get treated for fall-related injuries. Surprisingly, 95% of hip and pelvic fractures are associated with slips and falls.
It is essential to learn the different causes of falls, how you can stay safe, and what to do if you slip and fall in a store or someone else’s property.
Slip and fall injuries: Causes and effects
There are many injuries that can occur in slip and fall injuries. These include;
- Sprains and strains
- Head injuries
- Hip and pelvic fractures
- Bruising (minor or severe) and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord, back, and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Though there are different factors that could heighten the risk of falling, including balance issues and vision problems, most slip and fall accidents due to another person’s negligence. In case the accident occurs in another person’s property and results in a severe injury, the injured victim can pursue a premises liability claim. Some of the common causes of slip and fall accidents include;
- Cracked or uneven surface
- Unmaintained swimming pools
- Defects in the roadways and sidewalks
- Improper lighting around passageways and stairways
- Accidents in the stairways due to lack of handrails
- Dangerously cluttered floors
- Slippery tiling
- Adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain or ice
- Obstructions on the walkway or floor
- Potholes
Sadly, a more significant number of people get injured when they fall. Though some of them suffer from the embarrassment of tripping and falling, others might suffer severe injuries that could result in lifelong consequences.
Fractured and broken bones caused by fall accidents could be mild or severe. These injuries are scary and painful. Even a minor bone fracture could cause excruciating pain, take long to heal fully, and result in emotional trauma. Broken bones might require surgery and might take longer to heal compared to fractures and sprains. Older adults are more susceptible to fractures and broken bones caused by slips and falls. Unfortunately, it might take longer for them to recover fully from these injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries occur when the victim hits the head against a hard floor or object. The injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries. The consequences of these injuries can be lifelong. Mild TBI can result in disorientation or the victim becoming unconscious. Memory problems, mood swings, and headaches could be signs of a mild TBI. Severe TBIs could result in a permanent impairment of the victim’s cognitive function, mobility, and even language.
Fractured or broken hip bones, tail bones, arms, wrists, and elbows are painful and take longer to heal. Actually, broken hip and tail bones could mean that it will take you years to return to your normal life.
