A slip and fall accident may be a terrifying experience, but it’s critical that you know the options available to you. At Yosha Cook & Tisch – Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured Hoosiers who have slipped on wet floors or challenging terrain. A slip-and-falls are one of the most common causes for personal injury cases in Indiana and can be caused by many factors such as defective sidewalks, puddles of water or ice on the ground, uneven pavement, or piles of snow.
Common Injuries Caused by Falling
There are almost nine million emergency room visits per year in the United States that result from slip and falls, though most would assume these types of accidents only result in minor injuries. However, when the human body falls unexpectedly on a hard surface, there is still potential for serious injury to occur due to how the person tumbles.
Common issues that arise with slip- or trip-and-falls are:
Bruises, Abrasions, Bruising
As mentioned, slip and falls may not be serious or life-threatening. The most common injuries are bruising, scrapes, or cuts with a wide range of severity; the worst being disability. This doesn’t mean they aren’t painful, they just won’t cause lasting permanent trauma or disability.
Fractured bones, Muscle Tears
Another common injury caused by a trip and fall is injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and bones. Fractures can occur to the hand, forearm, upper arm, spine, hip, pelvis, and ankle. Whatever is the first point of contact when you hit the ground will most likely be injured.
Shoulder Dislocation
Another injury commonly associated with slip and falls are localized to a person’s shoulder. Typically, victims of trip and fall cases fall on their shoulder to avoid trauma to the head but end up dislocating their shoulder, straining muscles, or tearing ligaments.
In the context of a slip and fall accident in Gary or anywhere else in Indiana, understanding the range of potential injuries and their effects on your life is crucial. Such accidents can result in various physical, psychological, and financial consequences. Recognizing the risks and knowing your rights is particularly important, as numerous factors can contribute to the success of your personal injury claim against the negligent party.
To learn about what your legal rights are when it comes to slip and falls injuries, or contact our firm to discuss your case.
