Serious Injuries From Slip And Fall Accidents In North Carolina

Charlotte residents may not think of slips and falls as causes of serious accidents and injuries. However, every year many Americans end up in hospitals with complex and devastating injuries that were caused by slips, trips, and tumbles. When the causes of those accidents are based on the negligence of others, victims can sometimes pursue their legal options to the recovery of their damages.

The types of injuries that victims can suffer from slip-and-fall accidents can range from bumps and bruises to life-threatening trauma. This post will discuss some of the more extensive forms of injuries that victims may endure from their slip-and-fall events. Not part of this post provides medical advice and readers should seek their own legal counsel for advice on their pending slip-and-fall accident claims.

Head Injuries

Head injuries such as traumatic brain injuries can occur when victims’ heads hit or are hit by hard objects, or when the brain suffers penetration injuries. During a fall, a victim can hit their head on any number of surfaces based on where their accident occurs. Ground surfaces like hard floors, sidewalks, or asphalt can cause traumatic injuries to the head, as can impacts with furniture, fences, or other objects in the vicinity of the victims’ falls.

Head injuries can manifest with a range of severities and symptoms. While some victims may suffer mild concussions, others may sustain permanent brain damage and life-long disabilities. The costs of living with head trauma can be extensive.

Spinal Injuries

Damage to the spinal column can be devastating to accident victims. The spinal cord is encased on the spinal column and it is responsible for carrying messages from the brain throughout the body. When the spinal cord is harmed, basic bodily functions like breathing, movement, and others can cease. Paralysis can result from spinal cord and column trauma.

Slip-and-fall accidents can be serious and can leave victims with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Attorneys who work in the personal injury field of law can support their slip-and-fall clients with guidance and case-specific advice.

Fractures

Broken bones are a frequent outcome of slip-and-fall accidents, and the severity often depends on the impact of the fall and the individual’s health. Among the most common fractures are:

• Hip Fractures: Particularly prevalent in older adults, hip fractures can be life-altering, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. These injuries can lead to long-term mobility issues and a significant decrease in independence.
• Wrist Fractures: When individuals instinctively use their hands to break a fall, the wrist can bear the brunt of the impact. These injuries can affect grip strength and hand functionality, often requiring surgery or physical therapy.
• Ankle Fractures: A twisted or direct impact during a fall can cause an ankle to break, leading to severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Recovery can involve immobilization, surgery, or both, with prolonged rehabilitation.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are another common consequence of slip-and-fall incidents. These injuries can range from mild to severe and often affect a person’s mobility and quality of life. Key examples include:

• Sprains: A sudden twist or overstretching during a fall can damage ligaments, particularly in the ankles, knees, or wrists. Sprains can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
• Tears: Tendons or ligaments may tear under extreme force, often requiring surgical repair. Tears in the shoulder or knee can significantly restrict movement and daily activities.
• Dislocations: The force of a fall can cause joints, such as shoulders or hips, to dislocate. Dislocations are extremely painful and may require immediate medical intervention to reset the joint, followed by a recovery period to restore strength and function.

Both fractures and soft tissue injuries can lead to long-term complications if not promptly and properly treated. They often necessitate ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and in some cases, lifestyle adjustments to accommodate lasting physical limitations.

Slip-and-fall incidents in NC sound like something straight out of a slapstick routine – but in the context of how they can cause serious injuries, they’re anything but funny.

According to the National Flooring Safety Institute, slips and falls are the top cause of workers’ compensation claims and the leading cause of occupational injury for people 55 and older. Annually, one in every three Americans over 65 will experience a fall – half of those are repeat fallers.

Knowing how common slip-and-fall accidents are, how can you reduce your risk of getting into one?

Which Conditions Can Lead To Slip And Fall Accidents In North Carolina?

The first step in avoiding slip-and-fall accidents in North Carolina is learning to recognize what conditions can lead to them. Apart from slippery surfaces such as icy pavements, other less-obvious examples of high slip-and-trip risk conditions include:

• Uncleaned spills on the floor
• Loose and uneven flooring
• Bumpy carpeting
• Holes in the ground
• Unsecured cords in areas of high foot traffic
• Dim lighting that can prevent passersby from checking their footing

While property owners are obligated to put up signage (i.e., “Wet Floor” signs) to warn anyone to avoid an area that could lead to a slip and fall, you should still be alert to your surroundings.

What Can I Do To Prevent Injury?

Ensuring that a property’s floors are clear of any slip and trip hazards is one way to reduce accident risks. But if you don’t own the property and you see a slip-and-fall hazard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have suggested several tips, including:

• Use handrails: Handrails are more than just decorative pieces. Don’t hesitate to hold onto a rail if you’re having difficulty walking up a flight of stairs or a ramp.
• Open ladders fully: Due to the hinged construction of ladders, they risk suddenly closing if not adequately secured and could cause injuries to the climber and anyone next to them. Ensure that you fully expand the extenders and that the rubber feet of the ladder are stable before use.
• Inform the one in charge: if you see a potential slip and fall hazard, don’t hesitate to raise the issue with the personnel in charge.

Like any accident, slips and falls can lead to severe injuries that can take time and money to recover from. Always look for potential hazards and ensure that the floors you walk on are free from impediments.