Dallas Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

Annual Occurrences of Slip and Fall Injuries

More than 8 million Americans visit the ER every year because of falls. Slip and falls in particular account for more than 1 million of these visits. Whether at home, at work, or out in public going about your daily errands, slip and falls can and do occur almost anywhere.

Regardless of where or how it happens, some of the more severe injuries usually include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Common Fall-Related Injuries in Texas

When a person falls, he or she may strike objects on the way down in addition to suffering injuries from the final impact. Depending on the height of the fall, the age of the victim and other factors, the injuries caused by a fall can be severe.

According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls send an estimated 8 million people to the hospital each year. Slip and fall accidents alone account for 1 million visits annually.

Some of the most common injuries associated with falls include:

• Broken bones,
• Cuts, scrapes and deeper lacerations,
• Muscle sprains and strains,
• Elbow injuries,
• Tailbone injuries,
• Leg and ankle injuries,
• Concussions,
• Other traumatic brain injuries,
• Back injuries,
• Spinal cord injuries, and
• Paralysis.

In the most serious cases, falls can cause catastrophic and permanent injuries. If the victim strikes his or her head in a fall, for example, it could cause a brain injury and temporary or permanent brain damage.

It is important to see a doctor if you fall down under any circumstances in Texas. Receiving prompt medical care can allow you to obtain the medical treatment that you need to recover. You may also be able to use your medical records as evidence during an insurance claim later.

Broken Bones from Slip and Fall Accidents

Broken bones are an extremely common injury stemming from a slip and fall accidents. Fractured bones occur in roughly 5% of all fall victims. Hip fractures are the most dangerous injury and often lead to death in the elderly.

Roughly half of adults over the age of 65 are no longer able to live independently after suffering a broken hip from a slip and fall. Sadly, falls are the second-leading cause of death in people 65-84 years, and the leading cause in those older than 84.

Spinal Cord Injuries After a Fall

Broken bones aren't the only consequence of slip and fall accidents. Individuals also report spinal cord injuries on a regular basis.

In fact, falls are the second most common contributing cause of spinal and brain injuries, second only to fractures. Spinal cord injuries can lead to any number of secondary health issues, including:

• Difficulty walking,
• A loss of function in extremities or limbs,
• Full or partial paralysis,
• Loss of bladder or bowel control,
• Ongoing pain due to nerve damage,
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing, and
• Weakness and lack of coordination.

Obviously, a spinal injury from a slip and fall accident can drastically affect your quality of life and ability to work, often permanently. A spinal cord injury is often catastrophic, resulting in up to $1 million or more in lifelong expenses.

If a negligent property owner contributed to the slip and fall accident, he or she could owe the victim financial compensation. While a recovery award will not reverse the serious injury, it could provide future financial stability.

Traumatic Brain Injuries From a Slip and Fall

Brain injuries, like spinal cord injuries, are another tragically common injury after a slip and fall accident, particularly in the elderly. In fact, reports show an estimated 35% of brain injuries are the result of falls. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is when an object suddenly hits or pierces the brain.

Damage can range from mild to severe. In best case scenarios, a TBI may cause temporary loss of consciousness, for a few minutes or hours.

In more severe cases, TBIs can include changes in behavior and thinking patterns, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, seizures, constant headaches, coma, and other health problems.

Unfortunately, approximately half of all people who sustain a severe TBI must undergo surgery. Most times, victims can completely lose their ability to communicate and function on their own.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

A property owner’s negligence can take many forms that increase the risk of slip or trip and fall accidents. In our years helping injured accident victims seek recovery, we have come to recognize some of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries in Dallas:

• Snow and ice,
• Wet floors,
• Oily, greasy or waxy floors,
• Food debris on the floor,
• Unsafe staircases,
• Uneven sidewalks and curbs,
• Exposed cords or wires, or
• Loose carpeting.

It is a property owner’s duty to reasonably prevent slip and fall accidents with proper premises maintenance. If a prudent owner would have prevented the fall in the same circumstances, the property owner could be liable for damages.

A personal injury lawyer from Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. may be able to help you hold the negligent owner accountable for your damages, including hospital bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

After any type of fall injury on someone else’s property, speak to a lawyer to discuss your rights. If you're in the San Antonio area reach out to our San Antonio Slip and Fall lawyers.

Why Choose Aaron Herbert?

Working with an attorney after a fall

1. Discuss your injury

   Slip, trip and fall accidents can cause much more than simple bumps and bruises. If you recently fell on someone else’s property and suffered serious injuries, it is important to have an attorney by your side throughout the claims process.

2. Understand the claim

   An insurance company may try to take advantage of you and convince you to settle for less than your injuries require. An attorney, on the other hand, will strive to maximize your financial recovery so that you and your family have what you need to move forward.

3. Get help through the process

   Hiring an experienced slip and fall attorney in Dallas can give you much-needed peace of mind throughout the claims process.

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