Common Injuries from Falls

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Common Injuries from Falls

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Falls are consistently among the most common causes of accidental injury in the Chicagoland area, injuring thousands of people every year. It may be tempting to discount falls as little more than a minor annoyance, as most of us have fallen at some point, gotten up, and went about our business. In reality, falls are capable of causing extremely serious injuries, including those that can leave victims with long-term medical issues.

Some of the most common injuries that people sustain in falls are detailed below. For more information or discuss your slip and fall case in detail, call us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in Chicago, call our office today.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are a common injury that can occur in a fall. Often, the first body part to come into contact with the ground absorbs the most force, so falls often result in broken wrists, elbows, knees, and hips. In addition, if a person hits his or her head on the ground or another object while falling, it can result in a skull fracture, which is a serious injury that requires emergency medical attention.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A bump or blow to the head can also cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), regardless of whether a skull fracture also occurred. TBIs disrupt the way the brain normally functions and can cause debilitating symptoms that can affect victims for weeks, months, or even years. In milder cases, TBI victims can experience issues like headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, difficulty concentrating, and problems sleeping. In more serious cases, victims may develop issues with problem-solving, communication, movement, and other tasks that may never fully resolve.

Severe Soft Tissue Injuries

Falling can contort your body in unnatural or unusual ways. In addition, while you are falling, there is always the chance that you can hit something on your way down. Consequently, falls can result in serious soft tissue injuries, including contusions (bruises), severe lacerations, sprains, strains, dislocations, and others. In many cases, soft tissue injuries require medical attention and can cause pain for weeks or months.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries people can sustain. In the context of falls, they are rare, but they can occur if a person falls with sufficient force or in a particularly awkward way. Because the spinal cord is responsible for allowing the brain to communicate with the rest of the body, any damage to it can cause serious issues, including paralysis below the site of the injury.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Chicago Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a fall that occurred because of someone else’s carelessness, you should speak to an experienced attorney as soon as you. At Malman Law, our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation to which they are entitled under Illinois Law. To schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team, call us today at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online.