What Are The Most Common Long-Term Injuries From a Slip and Fall Accident?
July 29, 2022 Posted In Personal Injury
A slip and fall accident in San Bernardino may sound minor, but in some cases, victims can suffer severe injuries with long-term consequences. The most common long-term injuries victims suffer include the following.
Bone Fractures
Any bone in the body can essentially be fractured or broken as a result of a slip and fall accident, but some of the more susceptible bones include:
- Hip
- Vertebrae in the spine
- Skull
- Neck bones
- Femur
- Collarbone
- Pelvis
- Ribs
- Sternum
- Ankle bones
The impact of the fall or hitting an object on the way down is typically responsible for a break or fracture. For example, more than 95 percent of broken hips are due to falls, according to the CDC. The elderly are at particularly high risk of this type of injury. Surgery or a cast is often required to facilitate healing, along with prescription medications, physical therapy, and other ongoing treatment to cope with the damage. In severe cases, victims face a lifetime of pain and impairment.
Head Injuries
Head and brain injuries are frequently caused by the head hitting the ground or an object. The sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to collide with the skull. Brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that result in permanent cognitive impairment. A moderate to severe TBI will most likely create dependence on a caregiver or family member, in addition to the physical pain and limitations. As a result, these newfound hardships can take a toll mentally and may lead to a lifelong battle of fluctuating emotions and depression.
Neck and Back Injuries
The majority of neck and back injuries are caused by the impact of the fall or the body twisting on the way down. The spine can suffer a great deal of stress, and a common reaction to that is for a disc to herniate or rupture. Spinal discs act as the cushion between the vertebrae, and when one is herniated or ruptured, it can be excruciating, limit mobility, and may lead to more severe back issues in the future. Physical therapy and surgery are commonly needed, and victims often suffer from chronic pain.
Internal Damage
The blunt trauma from a fall can cause damage to internal organs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, but internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Any signs of bruising or cuts on the abdomen are worth having evaluated. Additionally, internal damage can be caused if the victim falls on a sharp foreign object that penetrates the body. Depending on the extent of the injury, an organ may rupture, be crushed, bruised, or completely destroyed, which can significantly impact a victim’s life.
Psychological Injuries
In some cases, the most significant injury from a severe slip and fall accident is emotional distress. Psychological conditions, such as PTSD, depression, insomnia, or anxiety, often accompany serious injuries. The experience of the accident can be traumatic, but living with a life-changing injury can take a heavy toll on mental health.