According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for nearly nine million emergency room visits each year. In many cases, victims of fall accidents need ongoing treatment and therapy. Direct medical costs from falls attribute to $30 billion a year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.
The following are the most common slip and fall injuries:
- Head injuries – The CDC reports that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which ranges from a mild concussion to skull fractures and other debilitating damage. Falls account for 40 percent of all TBIs in the U.S., requiring emergency room attention or hospitalization.
- Back and spinal cord injuries – Falls can damage vertebrae or cause herniated or slipped discs, resulting in severe pain and limited mobility. In worst case scenarios, a spinal cord injury can cause paralysis, including complete loss of function or sensation in the upper and lower limbs.
- Hip fractures – Hip fractures from slip and falls are common among elderly adults. Since bones weaken with age, a hard fall can easily crack the hip bone. Not only do these injuries require a hip replacement or surgery, but they can also result in death.
- Shoulder injuries – Falls directly on your shoulder may result in a shoulder dislocation, also known as “brachial plexus injury.” The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that connect your spinal cord to your shoulder, as well as your arm and hand. If a traumatic force, such as a fall, pushes your shoulder downward as your head is pushed up and away from that shoulder, these nerves can be stretched or ripped.
- Sprains and fractures – Slips and falls can result in sprained ankles and knees, as well as broken bones from the impact of landing.
If you suffered a slip and fall injury caused by the negligent actions of another party in Connecticut, contact Zayas Law Firm and request a free consultation with our Hartford personal injury lawyers today.