How do slip and falls affect the brain?
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, slipping and falling might seem like a minor inconvenience. However, falling or tripping can result in serious injuries and have a long-term impact.
A brain injury is one of the most serious consequences of a slip and fall accident. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls lead to nearly half of the traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related hospitalizations. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to understand how TBIs happen and what to do to prevent them.
What causes slip and fall accidents?
Slip and falls can occur anywhere, from a wet floor in a grocery store to uneven pavement on the sidewalk. Brain injuries resulting from slip, trip, and fall accidents often go unnoticed. Symptoms may not be immediately apparent, and this delayed onset can be dangerous. Someone who slipped and fell might underestimate the severity of their injuries.
As such, it's crucial to recognize that even seemingly mild concussions can have lasting effects on cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
What are common types of head injuries in slip and falls?
The following are different types of head injuries:
- Concussion: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken within the skull. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
- Contusion: A contusion is a bruise on the brain and can cause bleeding and swelling, potentially leading to increased pressure within the skull.
- Skull Fracture: A skull fracture occurs when there is a break in one or more of the bones that form the skull. This can result in bleeding, bruising, and potentially damage to the brain.
- Intracranial Hemorrhage: This refers to bleeding inside the skull. Subdural hematomas, epidural hematomas, and subarachnoid hemorrhages are specific types of intracranial hemorrhages, each with its own characteristics and potential complications.
- Closed Head Injury: This is an injury to the brain while the skull is left intact. TBIs of this type include bruised brain tissue, torn blood vessels, and swelling within the brain.
How to prevent slip and falls
In many cases, someone slips and falls because of the negligence of another individual or business. The following are some common conditions that can lead to an accident:
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces: This includes spills or leaks in grocery stores, restaurants, or other public places. Wet floors caused by cleaning or maintenance activities can also result in an accident.
- Poorly Maintained or Defective Flooring: Examples include loose or torn carpets and rugs and damaged or worn-out flooring materials.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit areas, for example, increase the risk of tripping and falling. Inadequate visibility of obstacles or changes in elevation can also result in an accident.
How an attorney can help
Property owners, managers, and employers must take reasonable steps to maintain a safe environment and promptly address potential hazards. If a slip and fall accident occurs due to negligence, the injured party may have legal grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.
Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, serving all of Massachusetts, if you or a loved one is injured in a slip and fall accident. Our attorneys provide legal guidance. With our firm on your side, we can assess the details of the slip and fall accident to determine your best options.
We can conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to support your claim. Your lawyer can handle communication with the insurance company and help determine a fair settlement. If the insurance company is not willing to reach a fair settlement, we can take the case to trial if necessary.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you obtain a settlement. If you've been involved in a slip and fall accident, it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss the specifics of your case and understand your potential legal options.