All the Consequences a Slip and Fall Accident Victim Has to Go Through

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slips and falls lead to about 1 million emergency room visits in the U.S., and 5% of these cases cause bone fractures. Stats also show that faulty flooring results in about 2 million incidents. These accidents are common in working environments, on the streets, and in public institutions.

Most cases have a clear liability. However, in situations where there are multiple liable parties, the case can be complex. You should contact slip and fall accident lawyers to assist in identifying the at-fault party and going against strong defenses.

Let’s examine the consequences victims face after a fall incident and review how lawyers can help in these situations. Read on for more details!

Consequences Victims Face in Slip and Fall Accidents

The consequences range from immediate to long-term effects. Note that non-injurious types can also affect a fall victim in the long term. Here’s an in-depth look at these consequences.

1. Immediate Consequences

Physical injuries account for all the immediate effects of a fall. Worst-case scenarios can involve falling from high places, which mostly happens in construction sites.

The physical injuries a fall victim can suffer include:

• Head knocks: Falling head first or hitting objects can result in injuries like concussions, or severe head cuts. Also, impactful falls lead to sudden brain motion or skull cracks.
• Broken bones and sprains: Hard falls or slips can result in broken bones at the point of impact. Most accidents result in joint twists, knee, ankle, and wrist sprains. Severe cases include shoulder dislocations or leg and hand fractures.
• Psychological and emotional trauma: Victims can display signs of anxiety and phobia when around areas with falling risks. This explains why most people have a fear of heights.

2. Monetary Consequences

The aftermath of a severe fall or slip results in expensive medical bills. Various injuries, like surgeries or head treatments, might cost more. This includes respective prescriptions and checkups.

You can also lose wages or your job during recovery. For instance, athletes can miss pay and playing opportunities after a fall injury. Therefore, they have the right to file a claim for deserved compensation.

It is important to hire a credible injury attorney to get compensation equal to or greater than your expenses. A good lawyer should also help you seek lost wages for missed working time.

Deaths from falls can cause financial consequences to third-party victims. They include close family members, especially when the deceased was a sole provider.

3. Legal Consequences

Here are examples of legal consequences:

Difficulty in Proving a Party’s Liability

Defendants can claim you were at fault for wearing inappropriate clothing or disobeying certain building rules. This can happen when a structure is under renovation or during cleaning times. Unfortunately, the court might favor the plaintiff in such situations.

Therefore, ensure you read and adhere to a building’s safety rules at all times. Look out for the following signs and symbols to avoid falls in buildings or streets:

• Wet/slippery Surface
• Building Under Maintenance
• Do Not Touch
• Do Not Cross

Lengthy Litigation Process

The complexity of identifying the liable party can make personal injury cases lengthy. The period might also extend when both the plaintiff and complaint are at fault. In such cases, you might need to settle the matter outside of court.

4. Long-Term Effects

Injuries and financial consequences lead to long-term suffering, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Disability
• Lifestyle decline
• Depression

Conclusion

Severe slips and falls have dire consequences. For instance, broken hands can lead to expensive medical bills and chronic pain in the long term. Additionally, the victim can lose the case and miss out on compensation. Luckily, a personal injury lawyer can help you build a case and seek fair compensation.

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