Slip and fall accidents are the most commonly experienced. They can present unique challenges for obtaining treatment and rehabilitation services if needed as the full extent of the injuries and damage to the body may not be immediately obvious.
A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere. They can take place at the home of a friend or family, while shopping, within the workplace, on city streets, sidewalks, parks, and playgrounds. Individuals also experience this type of accident at popular entertainments encompassing amusement parks, sports venues, at the theater, and the movies.
These types of injuries may or may not result in a level of pain that causes individuals immediate concern, but they can have far reaching effects. They can cause fractures anywhere in the body, nerve damage, or injuries to the back and spine that can result in paralysis or even a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Slip and fall accidents account for over 1 million visits to the emergency each year. They’re especially debilitating for the elderly and result in extended rehabilitation, joint replacements, and time in a nursing home. Even those that are young, fit, and healthy can sustain serious injuries from a slip and fall accident.
The results of these injuries may not be readily apparent, even with x-rays. Some types of fractures will only appear days or even weeks after the incident occurred. It can take more in-depth imaging techniques to detect them that aren’t typically performed. Victims of a slip and fall may also experience slow internal bleeding that can be deadly if not identified.
Any slip and fall accident should be followed by a trip to the emergency room where a thorough examination can be conducted. Individuals can be treated for immediate concerns and learn what symptoms of which they need to be aware. Some injuries, such as a TBI, may present in ways that the individual may not associate with the original injury, but can result in a lifetime of disability. The ER visit also provides critical documentation in the event there’s long-lasting problems or disability.