The Hidden Dangers of Slip and Fall Injuries
Think fall-related injuries only happen to the elderly? Think again! According to the National Fall Safety Institute, falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits a year. Slip and fall accidents are quite common in Virginia, with the elderly in particular suffering from serious injury and fatality due to falls in the state.
While some may consider it a minor inconvenience, a slip-and-fall accident can lead to serious injuries for those involved. We explore the hidden dangers of slip and fall injuries and how they can impact your life in this blog.
What Are the Risks of Slips, Trips, and Falls?
Slips, trips, and falls can occur anywhere, but they are more common in certain environments, such as construction sites, warehouses, nursing homes and hospitals. Common causes of fall-related fractures and related injuries include wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, and loose carpeting or flooring. These hazards can cause a person to lose their balance, leading to a fall that can result in serious injuries.
Injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents can range from minor bruises and scrapes to severe injuries like hip fractures, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Unfortunately, sometimes the prevention of slips cannot be avoided, while other times it can be found that neglect was involved such as stores not using wet floor signs or a workplace not making accommodations for disabled staff.
What is the Most Serious Consequence of a Fall?
Whether it’s occupational injuries or nursery room injuries, the worst consequence of fall-related injuries is eventual death. While not all falls result in death, they can be deadly, especially for older adults as the risk of falling increases with age. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths among adults aged 65 and older.
Even if you aren’t an elderly person, if you were involved in a serious slip and fall accident it can lead to serious consequences, such as fractures and head injuries, which can be costly to treat and life-altering. A personal injury attorney can help in these cases to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Does Injury Have to Be Obvious for a Claim to Be Filed?
Fortunately, the injury does not have to be immediately obvious for a personal injury lawsuit claim to be filed. In many cases, injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident may not be immediately apparent. For example, a person may suffer a head injury or internal injuries that are not visible on the surface. It is therefore essential to seek medical attention after a fall and document any injuries so that you can gather evidence for your claim.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is essential to hire a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can also investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.
Personal injury lawyers can also negotiate with insurance companies who may not always want to pay out for injuries. They have extensive experience handling slip and fall cases and can represent you in court to help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, which can be overwhelming if you are unfamiliar with the law or if you suffered from a traumatic slip and fall-related accident.
Whether you suffered from fall-related injuries due to neglect or a common slip, contact Goss & Fentress, PLC to find out if you can file for a personal injury lawsuit!
