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People often don’t realize how serious a slip and fall can be until they suffer one. Delaying medical treatment will only increase the risk of infection and further complications. Additionally, delaying treatment will make it harder to prove the severity of an injury.
Luckily, there are ways to avoid these problems and receive the medical treatment you need as quickly as possible. Listed below are the most common reasons why slip and fall accidents are so dangerous.
Intrinsic factors associated with slip-and-fall injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur for various reasons. While some of them are genetic, others are purely psychological. Older individuals are more likely to fall because of weakened strength and coordination. People with certain medical conditions are also at increased risk of falling due to dizziness and other side effects. A person’s mobility also greatly influences their risk of falling. To avoid falls, you should take precautions.
Extrinsic factors include the environment, medication, and behavior. The environment can also contribute to slip-and-fall injuries. A patient may be at risk of a fall if their shoes are uncomfortable or if they are weak. Other external factors include the presence of loose carpeting and inadequate lighting. It is important to recognize any potential risk factors before administering treatment. Fortunately, there are many tools available to assess fall risk quickly.
Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents
In many spaces, slip-and-fall hazards can cause injuries. You can prevent these accidents by regularly inspecting your property and posting warning signs. Also, make sure that you practice safety measures during adverse weather conditions. Keep your sidewalks and walkways plowed and salt-covered to ensure a safe walking surface. Poor lighting is another reason how slip-and-fall accidents take place. Proper lighting is necessary to avoid accidents.
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur on a variety of surfaces, including wet and uneven floors. Uneven floors or waxed tile increase the risk of a fall. Uneven pavement, broken stairs, and uneven flooring are all possible hazards that can cause a trip and fall. Even poorly lit premises can be hazardous. Similarly, wet floors can be slippery, and rugs and floorboards that have recently been mopped can cause people to trip and fall.
Head injuries that can result from slip-and-fall accidents
Slip and fall accidents can lead to a number of injuries, including severe head trauma. Some victims are unable to break their fall with their hands and may crash into someone on the way down. Serious head injuries can result, including traumatic brain injury, concussion, closed head injury, and hematoma. Here are some signs you may commonly see after slip-and-fall head trauma and how to determine whether you’ve suffered a head injury.
A slip-and-fall accident can cause a hematoma, a clot of blood that has formed on the brain. This clot puts pressure on the brain tissue and requires surgery to remove. Surgical removal by neurosurgeons such as Dr Timothy Steel, can prevent permanent brain damage. The symptoms of a hematoma can be serious, requiring hospitalization. Your medical team can determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.
Painful injuries that can result from slip-and-fall accidents
One of the most common slip-and-fall injuries is a deep laceration of the hand or forearm. Victims often reach out to break their fall, but they often do not realize how dangerous this can be. Deep lacerations can cause extensive bleeding, damage to the underlying nerves, and can even lead to infections. Older adults are especially vulnerable to severe cuts because their skin is thinner.
An injury to your back is also common ailments you will see, including fractured vertebrae and slipped discs. These can cause considerable pain and limit movement. Spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, can cause paralysis of one or both legs or both arms and may result in a permanent disability. Such injuries should be treated as soon as possible by a medical professional. Injury to the spine can also lead to other serious complications, including traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Documentation of slip-and-fall injuries
It is critical to document your slip-and-fall injury, because medical records can make or break your case. If you have taken medical treatment, take photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident. You should also keep records of any medical bills you have paid and any property damage you sustained as a result of your fall. You can use this documentation to prove that the other party was at fault for causing your injuries.
If you’ve suffered a slip-and-fall injury, you must immediately report the incident to the property owner and gather the names of witnesses. You should also take photos of the dangerous condition and obtain medical attention. Getting medical attention is crucial to your case, as if the injury does not heal, it will only get worse. Documentation is also vital if you plan to file a lawsuit. A New York slip-and-fall attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes.
