Slip and falls are very common. Some people walk away unharmed, but in many other instances, they cause serious injuries. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons that people visit emergency rooms.
In Southern California, slip and fall injuries involving snow and ice are relatively uncommon. However, people still fall in stores, on stairs, in gardens, grocery stores, and in many other areas. Speaking with a Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer can enable you to be vigilant with your well-being if you are hurt.
Head injuries are common in slip and falls
No matter how minor a head injury may appear, it needs to be taken seriously. A fall can cause a brief loss of consciousness. Even a relatively mild concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Studies show that a significant portion of people who suffer a TBI do not comply with doctors’ instructions for follow-up care, potentially leading to serious complications down the road. If you hit your head in a fall, it is crucial to seek a medical evaluation and carefully follow your medical provider’s instructions.
Soft tissue injuries are common
Soft tissue injuries are damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. After a fall, adrenaline can mask the pain of a tear or sprain. In some cases, days or weeks may pass before it becomes apparent. Early medical evaluation increases the likelihood of detecting them early on and documents your claim in case you file a lawsuit.
Spinal cord injuries
The jolt of a sudden fall can lead to an injury in which the spinal cord is compressed or severed. Depending on where the damage occurs, this can cause a continuum of problems– from permanent paralysis to mild pain or tingling in the extremities.
Among the more serious medical issues, spinal cord injuries can be life-threatening. Those who suffer from them can rack up substantial medical bills, sometimes totaling over a million dollars in just the first year. If there is any chance you sustained an injury affecting your spinal cord, immediate medical evaluation is critical. Also, speak with a personal injury lawyer so you can be aware of your rights going forward.
Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
Some of the most common injuries from falling down a flight of stairs include superficial wounds that can heal fully with proper care. Cuts, abrasions, and other wounds may require stitches, bandages, and cleaning to avoid infection. Bruises may look bad and be painful, but they tend to heal without complications.
Broken bones
A broken bone can be a minor fracture, a complicated injury requiring surgeries, or somewhere in between. Hip fractures are especially common in slip and fall accidents among the elderly, and can be highly debilitating. The supportive tissues around the bones can also be injured, leading to long-term pain and disability. In many cases, individuals will need physical therapy to regain lost function.
How a slip and fall lawyer can help
If this has happened to you, speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will help you tend to your injuries while building your case. At Salamati Law, we understand how stressful this can be and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today
Call the Salamati Law Firm today for a free consultation. We never charge a fee upfront; we only get paid if we secure compensation on your behalf.
