A fall on stairs, obstacles, or uneven ground can have a wide range of consequences. Some people may only suffer hurt pride or embarrassment, while those who hit their heads may be forced to cope with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Head Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Trips and falls often involve multiple injuries, resulting in long recovery times for their victims. A person falling forward may instinctively raise their arms to break their fall, suffering broken wrists in addition to a frontal head injury. On the other hand, falling backward can result in broken elbows and a fractured tailbone, as well as a fractured skull.
Serious falls are particularly likely to result in:
- Concussions. Concussions are one of the most common types of traumatic brain injury. A blow to the head can result in dizziness, light sensitivity, memory problems, ringing in the ears, and other symptoms that can last for several days.
- A broken jaw. These fractures may happen if a victim hits another object on the way to the ground, striking their chin or the side of their face. A blow from a countertop, railing, table, or sink can cause dislocation of the jaw, broken teeth, or loose bone fragments that require facial surgery.
- Cheekbone fractures. A victim may attempt to curl into a ball or twist sideways during a fall to protect themselves, landing on their cheekbone. Minor cheekbone fractures can take several months to heal, while severe fractures may require surgery to prevent loss of vision.
- Contusions. The brain is surrounded by fluid, providing a cushion between the brain and the skull. While this protects the brain from occasional jarring, a severe blow can cause the brain to slam into the skull, causing a bruise known as a contusion.
- Brain bleeds. Bleeding inside the brain is a serious condition and requires immediate treatment. Pressure will continue to rise inside the skull if the brain swells or if the source of the bleeding is not found, resulting in a deadly closed head injury. If blood pools and clots in the brain (known as a hematoma), the pressure inside the skull can become life-threatening—and surgery is often required to drain the blood or ease pressure on the brain.
- Skull fractures. A fracture in any of the bones in the skull can have long-lasting effects on a victim. Bleeding may occur if pieces of bone become lodged in the brain tissue, while severe head trauma may involve penetration of the brain by metal or debris. Fractures that expose the brain tissue (open head injuries) carry a higher risk of infection and complications that are often fatal.
- Diffuse axonal injury. Any high-speed or forceful injury to the head could cause the tearing of nerve fibers in the brain. Known as a diffuse axonal injury, the shearing or shaking of the brain inside the skull can interrupt electrical signals between the brain and body, leading to a temporary or permanent coma state.
Let Us Help You After a Brain Injury
While ongoing treatment may improve some head injuries, people who suffer severe brain injuries can suffer disabling side effects that will last for the rest of their lives. If you’re unable to make a living or someone you love needs around-the-clock care after an accident, you may be able to collect compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, property owners are not always willing to take responsibility for the injuries they cause, leaving victims out-of-pocket for their treatment—and allowing someone else to be hurt by the same faulty condition in the future. Our Nashville slip and fall attorneys can advise you on your right to sue a property owner if you were injured in a slip and fall accident. Contact GriffithLaw today through our online form or give us a call at (615) 807-7900 to learn more.
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