Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in Canada. Usually, slip and fall accident victims require treatment and therapy. About one million people visit emergency rooms because of a slip and fall accident. The effects of a fall might vary from minor bruises to fractures and at times even death. Older adults have been found to suffer more as compared to the younger generation. After a fall accident, it is important for the victim to document evidence as it can be used to file a claim so that you can be compensated. Talk to an injury lawyer for advice on how to handle the case.
Here are the common injuries that result from a slip and fall accident
1. Head injuries
Regardless of how minor you assume a head injury to be, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention. If you suffer a brief loss of consciousness, bleeding or swelling on the head, go to a medical facility immediately. Slight concussions may clear up after a while, but more severe traumatic brain damages might interfere with your functioning ability. Since severe head injury complications might not show up right away, most people assume that they are fine; thus fail to visit the doctor. Besides being a determent to your health, this could also lower your chances of a successful lawsuit.
2. Spinal cord injuries
Usually, spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is compressed or severed. Such injuries are in most cases life-threatening and thus require immediate medical attention and therapy. They are among the most expensive slip and fall injuries to treat. Some end up using more than a million dollars within the first year after the accident. Usually, the injuries that are closer to the head are costlier to treat than those that are further down the spine. High cervical spinal injuries lead to full paralysis while lower one causes paralysis of the lower limbs or milder symptoms.
3. Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries are not outwardly visible thus can be difficult to prove in a court of law. You might not even notice you have a soft tissue injury until a few days later or at times weeks after the fall. They range from minor wrist and ankle pains to severe ligaments and tendons tears. If left untreated, soft tissue injuries have the potential of causing severe pain and might make the injured susceptible to other related injuries. That is why even if you feel okay after a fall you should consult a doctor to ascertain that you have not sustained any injuries.
4. Fractures
Broken bones are painful and devastating since they make the victim immobile in most cases. They could be severe, requiring multiple surgeries or minor, which requires plastering only. If the tissue around the bone is damaged, one might have to undergo therapy to prevent neuromuscular dysfunction and chronic pain. Broken bones tend to cause bleeding and swelling, which makes it difficult to treat. That is why one ought to visit a medical facility immediately after falling.
5. Abrasions and cuts
Although they are common for slip and fall accidents, they are often the least serious injuries. They cause bleeding; thus you might assume that the damage is severe, but this is not always the case. In most situations, the injuries require only superficial treatment such as stitching and dressing. However, for severe cuts and abrasions, more treatment is needed.
If you sustain injuries after a slip and fall accidents, seek experienced legal help to be able to recover compensation. You might need a qualified injury lawyer for correct guidance. Over and above all, remember to consult a doctor immediately.