What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused By a Slip and Fall Accident?

It’s another typical day of grocery shopping, and you’re walking through the store when you suddenly hit a wet patch near the produce section. Before you know it, you’re on the ground, pain shooting through your wrist. Sound familiar? Slip and fall accidents impact the lives of millions of Americans every year, and the injuries they cause can be both devastating and expensive, including:

• Broken bones (especially wrists, arms, and hips)
• Head injuries and concussions
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Cuts, bruises, and other soft tissue damage

At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., we’ve helped numerous clients in Chicago recover compensation for slip and falls as well as other injuries. Our experienced personal injury attorneys recognize the immense toll these accidents can take, and we’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know about the most common slip and fall injuries and your rights to compensation.

What Is a “Slip and Fall” Accident?

A slip and fall accident occurs when someone loses their footing and falls due to a hazardous condition on another person’s property. These kinds of incidents can happen anywhere, from icy sidewalks to wet floors in restaurants, uneven surfaces in parking lots, or poorly lit stairwells.

Property owners have a legal duty to provide and maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail to address potentially dangerous situations like spilled liquids, broken flooring, or inadequate lighting, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

Common Injuries Resulting from Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents can have severe outcomes, resulting in fractures, head and spine injuries, soft tissue damage, and more.

Broken Bones

Fractures often top the list of slip and fall injuries. When you fall, your natural instinct is to catch yourself, putting tremendous stress on your bones. Wrists bear the brunt of many falls, but hip fractures also pose substantial long-term risks, especially for older adults.

Head Injuries

Head trauma from slip and falls can range from mild concussions to more traumatic brain injuries. What makes these particularly concerning is that symptoms don’t always appear immediately, as signs like headaches, dizziness, and confusion may develop hours or days later.

Spinal Cord Damage

Injuries to the back and spinal cord due to a fall can result in anything from chronic pain to paralysis. These injuries often require a greater level of medical treatment and can permanently alter your quality of life.

Other Common Problems

Cuts, bruises, sprains or strains, and dental damage are other frequently noted slip and fall injuries. While some may heal quickly, others may need more in-depth recovery requiring surgery, physical therapy, or dental reconstruction.

What Compensation Can You Seek After a Slip and Fall?

If your slip and fall accident was caused by another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses, depending on how severe your injuries are.

• Medical Expenses: This can include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and projected future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost Income: Compensation for wages you’ve lost while recovering, plus any reduced future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Financial recovery for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.

Experienced personal injury attorneys can be invaluable in pursuing compensation for these damages and more, as applicable to your situation.

You Are Not Alone After a Slip and Fall

Slip and fall injuries can sometimes be minor. Other times, they can turn your life upside down in a moment. When an accident leads to severe injuries, stress can rise as medical bills pile up, you’re unable to work, and insurance companies try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether.

You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. The experienced attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. have been fighting for injured clients in Chicago for over 40 years. We understand the struggles that you’re going through, and our team is here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve after a slip and fall injury caused by someone else’s negligence. If you’re ready to start considering your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.