Slip and Fall Injuries Can Be More Serious Than You Might Think

Many people believe the injuries caused by a slip and fall accident are minor, but that is not true. In fact, slip and falls commonly form the basis of personal injury claims in Ohio and they are also one of the leading reasons for visits to the emergency room in the state. Slip and fall accidents cause extremely serious injuries and the most common of these are found below.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one that interferes with the normal function of the brain. Approximately 166 Americans die from TBIs every day, and some of these are the result of a slip and fall. The very nature of a slip and fall places a person at great risk of hitting their head as they fall, which can easily cause a TBI. Even when a person does not hit their head on the ground, the force of the fall can still cause the brain to shake around in the skull, causing a concussion, which is considered a TBI.

Knee Injuries

During a slip and fall, some people collapse and fall on their knees. The knee is a complex collection of ligaments and bones and knee injuries can be devastating. When the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is damaged, it is extremely painful and can take a long time to heal. Knee reconstruction is often necessary.

Sprained Wrists and Ankles

During a slip and fall, many accident victims put their hands out to break their fall, spraining their wrist during the process. Or, they may take an uneven step, spraining their ankle as they do. Sprained wrists and ankles may not sound like serious injuries, but they are. They are very painful and can make simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt or walking impossible. These injuries also typically have a long recovery time.

Broken Bones

A slip and fall accident can easily place too much pressure on a bone, causing it to break. Broken bones are extremely serious injuries that often require surgery to correct. Accident victims who sustain broken bones typically cannot return to work right away, sometimes for months, and some even have to relearn how to walk or perform other daily tasks.

Wrongful Death

In the worst of cases, a slip and fall can cause a wrongful death. A head injury may be so severe the accident victim does not recover from it. Or, someone may fall from a great height due to a broken staircase railing or a defective ladder. These are just two scenarios that can cause a slip and fall resulting in wrongful death.

Our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Ohio Can Help with Your Claim

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury due to a slip and fall that was the fault of another person, call our Ohio slip and fall lawyers today. At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, our skilled attorneys have seen the devastation these accidents cause and we are dedicated to helping victims claim the full damages they deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.