July 22, 2024 | Slip and Fall
Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries. The National Floor Safety Institute reports that approximately one million people seek medical attention for a slip and fall accident injury in the U.S. each year. If you slipped and fell on another party’s property, you may have a claim for financial compensation. It is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Here, our Lawton slip and fall accident attorney discusses the most common injuries.
The Most Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
- Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue damage from slip and fall accidents primarily involves injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. In some cases, soft tissue damage can be relatively minor or modest bumps and bruises. However, in other cases, a soft tissue injury could be extremely serious. Notably, these injuries may not always be immediately apparent. Still, they can result in significant discomfort and mobility issues. The recovery process can vary. The slip and fall victim in Lawton, OK, may require rest, physical therapy, and, in some cases, even surgery. Immediate medical attention and proper ongoing follow-up care are a must.
- Joint Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can lead to severe joint injuries—from dislocations to torn ligaments. The most commonly affected joints in slip and fall accidents in Oklahoma are the ankles, knees, wrists, and shoulders. Notably, these injuries can cause intense pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion. The treatment might involve immobilization, physical therapy, and sometimes even surgery to correct the damage and restore function. Long-term effects can include chronic pain and arthritis.
- Broken Bones
Broken bones are another relatively common—and very serious—injury in slip and fall accidents. A person may suffer a broken hand, broken wrist, broken arm, broken leg, broken foot, broken ribs, or any other number of specific injuries. The severity of fractures can range from simple breaks, which might heal with casting and rest, to complex fractures requiring surgical intervention involving pins, plates, or screws to stabilize the bone. The recovery time for a broken bone can also vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances. With that being said, a broken bone is always a serious injury, and immediate medical care is required.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head trauma always requires prompt medical care. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in slip and fall accidents have the potential to cause severe brain damage. The initial symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and, in more severe cases, changes in cognitive functions, motor skills, and emotional regulation. An immediate medical evaluation is a must. Notably, many TBIs arise with a delayed onset. The slip and fall accident victims may actually feel worse 24, 48, or even 72 hours after the incident.
- Spinal Cord Trauma
Any degree of spinal cord trauma is a potentially catastrophic injury. Spinal cord injuries from slip and fall accidents can cause permanent impairment, including partial or complete paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord disrupts the communication between the brain and parts of the body. The result could be loss of mobility and sensation below the injury site. Treatment often involves surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and adaptive technologies to assist with mobility and the activities of daily living (ADLs). Spinal cord injury victims need justice and compensation.
Slip and Fall Accident Victims in Lawton Have a Right to Pursue Financial Compensation
Following a serious slip and fall accident in Lawton, it is crucial that you are able to secure the maximum available financial support. Oklahoma premises liability law allows slip and fall accident victims to hold the at-fault party liable for the full extent of their damages, including non-economic losses. However, businesses, property owners, and their insurance companies do not make things easy for victims and their families. Our Lawton, OK, personal injury lawyers are here to help. Along with other types of losses, you may be able to recover financial compensation for:
- Ambulance costs and other emergency medical expenses;
- Hospital bills and other types of medical expenses;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative medical care;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning potential;
- Pain and suffering and mental distress; and
- Disability, disfigurement, or physical impairment.
Contact Our Lawton Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer for Your Free Case Review
At McGuire Law Firm, our Lawton premises liability attorney has the skills and experience to take on all types of slip and fall accident cases. If you or your loved one suffered a slip and fall in an accident, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review. With an office in Lawton, we handle slip and fall accident cases in Comanche County and throughout Southwest Oklahoma.