When people slip, they usually try to break their fall with their hands. In many ways, this is smart because it will protect the head, back, and face from serious injury. However, the force of the impact will likely cause a break at the weakest point in the arm, usually the hand or the wrist. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall due to the negligence of another party, you may be able to receive compensation for your expenses and losses.
Trust our skilled team at the Salamati Law Firm to be your advocate during this challenging time. We understand how a hand or wrist injury can result in missed days of work, financial instability, and a stack of medical bills. Contact us today for a free consultation. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and assess your case.
Hand and Wrist Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents are Complex
The hand and the wrist are comprised of bones, nerves, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels. They are structured to allow you to move, flex, rotate your wrist, and grab and touch objects. There are 19 bones in each of your hands. Your wrist is made of eight bones that are arranged into two rows.
A slip and fall injury can damage one or more of these essential, interrelated parts of your anatomy. Hand and wrist injuries from falling can be very painful. They often limit your range of motion, making it painful or even impossible to perform essential tasks such as eating, dressing, cooking, or driving.
A wrist or hand injury may also limit your ability to work for an extended period. You may require surgery. All of these factors will be considered in your potential claim for damages.
Common Hand and Wrist Injuries Resulting From Fall Accidents, or FOOSH
As noted above, in a slip-and-fall accident, our natural human instinct is to thrust our hands forward to break our fall. These are called FOOSH injuries, which means “Fall Onto Outstretched Hands Injury.” Our hands were not meant to absorb such an impact. Several kinds of wrist fractures are common, which are described below.
Wrist Fractures
The most common wrist fractures include the following:
- A scaphoid fracture is a break in a small bone of the wrist. It is one of the most common injuries from falling. Symptoms include pain and swelling of the hand below the thumb area. It is very serious. Your hand must be immobilized in a cast. There is also a risk of decreased blood flow (osteonecrosis), which is dangerous for surrounding bones and tissue in your wrist.
- An avulsion fracture is when your bone moves one way, and your tendon or ligament moves another way with a piece of bone. These fractures are common FOOSH injuries and are very painful. They require surgery when the bone is more than two centimeters away.
- A Colles fracture affects the radius, the larger of the two bones between your elbow and wrist. Typically, the break is about 2.5 centimeters below where the bone joins the wrist. If it is severe, you may require surgery to insert screws and plates to mobilize it.
Hand and Wrist Sprains
Hand and wrist sprains occur when you land on your wrists and stretch the ligaments backward to break your fall. Wrist sprains are usually treated by applying ice and resting. In severe cases, steroids may be necessary.
Sprained or Dislocated Fingers
Sprained finger injuries are sometimes treatable with anti-inflammatories and ice packs. Seek medical attention for a dislocated finger. Surgery may be necessary when there are torn ligaments as well as dislocation.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention after a hand or wrist injury from falling. X-rays should reveal the full extent of the damage. Early treatment is essential to help heal and establish that your injuries were caused by your slip and fall accident, which will help your personal injury claim.
How Can a Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Win My Case?
When you experience a wrist or hand injury from a fall, you may be unable to work for an extended period. If we believe you have a claim, we will negotiate for a settlement against the negligent owner or operator of the premises where you were injured. We can also interview witnesses, collect evidence, hire expert witnesses, and file the required paperwork.
The severity of your injury is a prominent factor in your potential compensation. For example, a sprain will impact your life less than a scaphoid fracture. Each case is evaluated individually.
Contact the Salamati Law Firm for a Free Consultation
At Salamati Law Firm, we understand the far-reaching ramifications of a severe slip and fall injury to the hand or wrist. We use our extensive knowledge of premises liability law to fight for you. We keep you abreast of every milestone in your claim as we document the damages you’ve sustained and strive to maximize your legal recovery. Contact our Los Angeles slip and fall lawyers for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.
