Slip and fall injuries are a top workplace danger and a scourge of older adults. These falling injuries are responsible for 3 million emergency room visits per year.
As a category, falls are the leading reason people visit hospital emergency rooms. 22 percent of slip and fall incidents are responsible for those injured missing more than one month from work. The most serious of these injuries — like the back injuries that are a common result — can permanently affect quality of life or even cause death.
If a slip and fall injury has caused a back injury, it may worsen over time. The best way to ensure that you’re protected is to get in touch with one of the personal injury lawyers at Thistle Law. We will talk over the circumstances of your injury and help you to determine if you have a case.
The Most Common Back Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Back injuries are one of the most insidious results of slip and fall accidents. If you have been involved in a slip and fall, be attentive to symptoms of the following injuries:
- Muscle sprains: Lower back muscle strains and sprains often result from a falling victim attempting to catch themselves
- Compression fractures: Spinal cord impact can compress the vertebra, which causes tingling, numbness, and muscle spasms. It’s especially common in older people, with symptoms worsening over time
- Herniated discs: When the spinal cord twists during a fall, a disc between the vertebrae can slip out of place and put pressure on the nerves. Radiating tingling and pain can be a symptom of this injury
- Tailbone injuries: When someone falls backward, they may fall onto their tailbone, which can bruise or even fracture it. In such cases, the ligaments that surround it are also generally injured
- Hip injuries: More than 95 percent of broken hips are suffered from falls, according to the CDC. They are a particular worry for older people
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and/or loss of organ function
- Head and neck injuries affecting the spinal cord: These injuries are some of the most serious. They may involve long-term rehabilitation and future issues with mobility
How Slip and Fall Incidents Are a Type of Premises Liability
Slip and fall injuries are often caused by an unsafe or defective condition on someone’s property. When properties are not maintained as well as they should be, unforeseeable hazards can lead to injuries.
Premises liability cases depend on two factors — the negligence of the owner and/or renter of the space where the injury occurred, and a lack of fault in the plaintiff.
It is the site operator’s responsibility to keep their property clear of dangers, but proving liability is often more complicated than that — and without doing so it will be impossible to receive compensation for your injuries. That is why it is vital you have an experienced slip and fall attorney on your side.
When to Consult with an Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney
When you enlist the help of our team immediately after getting hurt, you put yourself in a stronger position when dealing with an insurance company. This will put pressure on an insurer to act honorably on your claim, as they know we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit if they refuse to act in good faith. Although it is illegal for the insurance company to deny paying fair compensation for a valid claim, it is standard practice for them to pay as little as they can and deny the rest.
We care about justice for those who have suffered from debilitating injuries through no fault of their own. With the help of our team, you can learn about the possibilities for legal action in acquiring the compensation you deserve. The Thistle Law Firm is well suited to evaluate the situation and help determine if the injury suffered involved acts of negligence.
Our team can help you set things right and rebound after a terrible slip and fall accident. If you are considering filing a lawsuit against a company, facility or individual for negligence that has led to injury, contact The Thistle Law Firm now at 215-525-6824.