4 Serious Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Falls are the leading cause of hospital emergency room visits, according to the National Floor Safety Institute. They are the number two cause of on-the-job deaths after transportation-related deaths, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Companies lose over $11 billion annually because of slips, trips and falls, according to BIC Magazine. If you’ve been in a slip and fall accident, your injuries can be very serious and very costly.
Slip and Fall Injuries: More than Just Bumps, Cuts and Bruises
A slip and fall accident can cause numerous injuries, including lacerations, contusions, sprained joints, fractures and pulled muscles. However, these injuries, while painful and sometimes debilitating, are not the most serious types of slip and fall injuries.
If you’ve been a victim of a slip and fall accident, there are four serious injuries that can derail your future and alter your life. These serious injuries are:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Falls are the leading cause of TBIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fall-related TBIs can range from concussions to even more serious injuries, including permanent brain damage or fatal brain injuries.
Spinal cord injuries
The Mayo Clinic reports that more than 25% of spinal cord injuries are caused by falls. Spinal cord injuries can be permanent, and victims often face a lifetime of expensive care and rehabilitation costs.
Neck injuries
Falls often cause neck injuries, damaging the soft tissue and/or the nervous system. While strains and sprains can be painful, there are more serious neck injuries, including herniated discs, cervical fractures and cervical dislocations.
Back injuries
A fall from a significant height can cause a severe back injury. Severe back injuries include spinal fractures, dislocations, torn or ruptured disks, herniated discs, disc degeneration and nerve compression.
Have you been injured in a slip and fall? If so, you may be suffering a very serious injury. If you’re the victim of a slip and fall accident, contact the lawyers at Berger Lagnese & Paul, LLC immediately for a consultation. You can call us at 412-471-4300, or email us. We represent residents in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania and may be able to help you.