Slip and fall incidents might seem like minor accidents at first glance, but they can result in life-altering head and brain injuries. Every year, countless individuals experience a slip or trip that leads not only to fractures or bruises but to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that change lives. With March being Brain Injury Awareness Month, now is a great time to understand your rights and take action if you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident.
What makes slip and falls dangerous?
While slips, trips, and falls are common, the outcomes can be severe. The force from a fall can lead to the brain colliding with the interior of the skull, causing bruising, bleeding, or even more extensive damage, such as a diffuse axonal injury. According to the CDC, falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injury, especially in older adults, making these incidents a significant public health concern.
Slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, poor lighting, and even weather conditions can turn a routine walk into a hazardous situation. The risk increases in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and public areas where floors might be wet or cluttered. Even in well-maintained areas, a momentary lapse or distraction can lead to a dangerous fall.
How can slip and falls lead to brain injuries?
In a slip and fall accident, the body’s natural reaction is to try to regain balance. However, when the fall happens suddenly, the head can strike the ground or an object before the body has time to adjust. This sudden impact can cause the brain to move within the skull. This often leads to injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe contusions or skull fractures.
The severity of the brain injury depends on several factors, including the height of the fall, the surface landed upon, and the angle of impact. For example, falling on a hard surface such as concrete can cause more damage than landing on a carpeted floor. It’s this unpredictable nature of slip and falls that makes them so dangerous and why they are a major contributor to traumatic brain injuries.
What are the common causes of slip and fall accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can occur in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors. Common culprits include wet or polished floors, dangerous stairways, uneven surfaces, loose rugs or mats, and obstacles that block walkways. Workplaces that do not maintain clear and safe walkways are also at risk. Given the potential hazards, property owners and managers need to take preventive measures to keep people safe.
What signs indicate a brain injury after a fall?
Recognizing the signs of a brain injury is crucial, especially after a slip and fall incident. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting in some cases
More severe symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizures, or a significant change in behavior, indicate a serious brain injury that requires urgent care.
When should I seek medical help for a TBI from a fall?
Even if the symptoms appear minor at first, they can worsen over time. This is why it is important to have a comprehensive medical evaluation after any significant fall, even if the initial symptoms seem to subside.
Early detection of internal bleeding or swelling helps prevent long-term damage. After a slip and fall accident, a doctor will typically perform diagnostic tests to determine the extent of any brain injury. This may include a CT scan or MRI to visualize the brain’s condition.
Treatment for brain injuries resulting from falls can range from rest and medication for mild concussions to emergency surgery in cases of severe trauma. Rehabilitation may also be necessary, involving physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes speech therapy. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and the severity of the injury.
What legal options do you have if you suffer a brain injury from a slip and fall?
When a slip and fall accident results in a brain injury, the road to recovery can be long and challenging. You could be facing major medical expenses, lost wages, and decreased quality of life. In such cases, it may be necessary to pursue legal action to obtain compensation for damages incurred.
Many slip and fall cases are the result of negligence. Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe environments, and failing to do so can make them liable for any injuries sustained on their premises. A personal injury claim can help cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and even pain and suffering.
For instance, in one case, we obtained a settlement for a client injured in a slip and fall at Target when she slipped on a "mystery" substance on the floor.
If you or someone you care about has suffered a brain injury due to a slip and fall, you deserve compassionate and experienced legal guidance. The Walnut Creek personal injury lawyers at Clancy & Diaz, LLP are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. We thoroughly investigate cases like yours to gather the facts and fight back against insurance company tactics to pay you less. We're here to help you every step of the way while you recover.
We offer legal representation to brain injury victims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. To learn more, contact us online or call for a free consultation. With offices in Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakland, and Benicia, we proudly serve clients in the Bay Area and throughout Northern California.
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