6 Injuries Commonly Seen in Slip and Fall Accidents

People who slip and fall often hurt themselves badly, which makes it hard to go about their daily lives. After an unexpected fall, a lot of people hurt their bones, muscles, or head.

Charleston is a historic city on the coast of South Carolina and has busy waterfronts and cobblestone streets. The city attracts a lot of people who live there and visit each year, which makes public places busier.

When accidents happen in busy places, the people who are hurt often ask a Charleston slip and fall lawyer for help in figuring out what their legal options are. People can spot signs early if they know what injuries usually happen after a fall.

Here are six common injuries that happen following a slip and fall.

1. Broken Bones and Fractures

One of the most prevalent injuries in fall accidents is broken bones. A lot of individuals reach out with their arms to stop the fall.

This reaction commonly causes broken bones in the wrist, arm, or shoulder. Older people are also more likely to break their hips.

If you break a bone, you may feel intense pain, swelling, and trouble moving. Most of the time, medical imaging is needed to confirm the damage.

2. Head Injuries and Concussions

When someone hits their head on the ground or something else, they can get hurt. You can get a concussion even from a little fall.

Some of the symptoms are headaches, dizziness, confusion, or feeling a bit nauseous. Sometimes, you might not notice some symptoms until a few hours after the accident.

Traumatic brain injuries can mess with your memory, balance, and how well you can focus. It’s crucial to get medical help after hitting your head because symptoms may not show up right away.

3. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

A sudden fall can put a lot of pressure on the spine. This force could hurt discs, nerves, or vertebrae.

Some patients develop herniated discs that hurt their backs and make them numb. In really bad situations, it can affect mobility or sensation.

It usually takes a long time for spinal injuries to heal. Therapy, medicine, or surgery may be part of the treatment.

4. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries hurt muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries include sprains and strains.

They happen when a person falls, and their joints twist. Injuries often happen to the ankles, knees, and wrists.

Common signs include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some soft tissue injuries don’t appear until days after the trauma. These injuries could cause long-term pain if they are not treated properly.

5. Shoulder Injuries

A lot of people fall onto an outstretched arm when they try to break the fall. This movement puts stress on the shoulder joint.

A fall might cause a torn rotator cuff or a dislocated shoulder. These injuries might make it hard to move your arms.

You may need physical therapy or surgery to get better. Getting treatment early increases the odds of regaining strength.

6. Cuts, Lacerations, and Facial Injuries

Sometimes, when you slip and fall, you might land right on your face. When people get hurt, they might end up with cuts, bruises, or even some dental problems.

Deep cuts usually happen when you bump into sharp edges or rough roads. Some cuts and scrapes might need stitches or a trip to the doctor.

Facial injuries can also mean broken teeth or hurt jaws. These injuries might leave some scars or pain that stick around for a while.

Key Takeaways

• Bone fractures, especially in the wrists, arms, and hips, are common after slips and falls.
• Even small falls can cause head injuries and concussions.
• Injuries to the back and spinal cord can cause long-term pain or trouble moving.
• Sprains and strains are examples of soft tissue injuries that typically affect the ankles, knees, and wrists.
• People hurt their shoulders when they try to stop a fall with their arms.
• Cuts, bruising, and injuries to the face are also prevalent when people fall suddenly.