For many people, falling down results in little more than a few scratches and bruises. However, some fall victims suffer critical injuries that leave them permanently disabled. Something as simple as walking through a parking lot or shopping at a grocery store can lead to severe slip and fall accidents that cause life-changing medical problems. If you or a loved one suffered a debilitating injury in a slip and fall accident, contact a skilled premises liability attorney for help taking legal action.
Falls Resulting in Severe Injuries
According to the CDC, about one in five fall accidents leads to a serious injury such as a traumatic brain injury. Elderly people are especially vulnerable to severe injuries in a fall accident because their bones are often weaker than the bones of young people. Individuals taking blood thinners and those with vitamin D deficiency are also at increased risk of severe and fatal injuries in a fall accident.
Brain injuries can lead to physical and mental injuries that dramatically impact the victim’s life. The initial head injury usually heals. However, secondary injuries such as oxidative stress and excitotoxicity can permanently damage the neurons in the brain. Traumatic brain injury sufferers can experience difficulty communicating, memory loss, reduced problem-solving abilities, and psychological problems like depression and irritability.
Another major concern for fall victims is spinal cord damage. The spinal cord transports signals from the brain to the body. When the spine is damaged, the body may not work properly. The fall victim may experience loss of bowel and bladder control, paralysis, impaired breathing, and loss of sensation. Some people who suffer spine injuries experience debilitating back and neck pain, weakness, numbness, or muscle spasms.
Legal Options After a Catastrophic Fall Accident
Slip and fall accidents can be caused by environmental hazards like loose electrical cords, poor lighting, spilled liquids, parking lot defects, and cluttered walkways. If a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe property causes someone to fall and be seriously injured, the property owner may be liable for damages.
Damages in a slip and fall case often include past and future medical expenses including physical therapy, medication, and medical devices such as a wheelchair. The victim may also be entitled to compensation for his or her disability, lost quality of life, and disability. If the individual cannot work, compensation for lost wages and lost earning capacity may also be available.
Contact a Harris County Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered a severe slip and fall accident, contact the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec for legal guidance. Our skilled Houston slip and fall attorneys can provide the legal support and advocacy you need to pursue maximum financial compensation. Call 281-643-2000 for a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
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