At Injury Doctors NYC we know a slip and fall accident is never pleasant, and a fall can be pretty painful no matter how you slip, especially if you land the wrong way and receive a significant injury. Different injuries can appear based on how you fall and land, which is why it is always important to visit a doctor after a fall to check out the injuries.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
- Broken Bone
When you fall, the force exerted by the ground when hitting it can be quite strong, and if it is applied in just the right way, a bone can fracture. The elderly are especially susceptible to this because bone density decreases as we age, but individuals of all ages may experience a break when falling.
The bone broken by the fall can vary by person, one person may break their arm if they try to stop their fall by reaching out their arms, but someone else may break a hip if they land on their side.
No matter what bone sustains the injury, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to correctly set the bone and ensure that no surrounding tissue or organs are damaged.
- Spinal Cord Injury
If the bone broken in a fall is a vertebra, it’s possible to sustain a spinal cord injury. However, a fall can also cause a herniated disc or pinched nerve, which also causes significant pain and potential paralysis.
The extent of the spinal cord injury will vary based on how much damage the spinal cord and its surrounding nerves were subject to. Some people may experience pain that radiates, while others may experience numbness or partial paralysis.
Concussion
Those in a Slip And Fall Accident may hit their head on the ground, which can cause a concussion. However, in some cases, someone may experience a concussion without hitting their head on the ground because of violent shaking that may occur when falling.
If someone has a concussion, they may have symptoms that include:
- headache
- feeling “foggy”
- confusion
- dizziness
- nausea
- ringing in the ear
It’s also possible for these symptoms to not appear until a few hours after the accident.
- Cuts and Lacerations
If someone lands on broken glass, sharp metal, or other dangerous debris, they may receive severe cuts. These injuries may require stitches to heal, potentially leaving a permanent scar, but they may also damage underlying muscle, nerve, and other soft tissue.
What To Do When You Slip and Fall at Work
If you have slipped and fallen at work, gauge your injuries before moving to ascertain if moving will only worsen them. For example, those who break a leg or ankle will want to refrain from using it.
Those in slip and fall accidents should seek immediate emergency attention to treat any injuries. Even if there are no visible injuries, it is recommended to still visit a doctor and ensure that there is no underlying concern.
It is also essential to report the accident, including its cause and what injuries were sustained, as this plays a significant role in worker’s compensation. Reporting the accident immediately can help cover the bills for any medical care and ensure you are properly compensated for any time that you must remain at home before returning to work.
Slipping and falling at work is always an accident, but knowing what to do if the situation ever happens can save you healthcare costs and the risk of future injuries.
