When you go to the store, someone’s home, or another property, the last thing you expect is to get hurt. Unfortunately, a property owner’s negligence can lead to dangerous conditions and heighten the risk of a slip and fall accident.
Slip and falls can result in severe, painful, and sometimes permanent injuries, like brain damage, spinal cord injury, and broken bones. If you are involved in one of these accidents, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible and seek the help of a Georgia slip and fall injury lawyer.
Traumatic Brain Damage
The brain is one of the most important organs in the human body. Any injury to the brain can result in permanent disabilities, including complications with movement, speech, memory, concentration, and more.
During a slip and fall accident, you could hit your head on the floor or another object, leading to traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injury can range from relatively mild concussions to life-threatening bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Many brain injuries are sadly fatal.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord helps the brain transmit messages to the rest of the body. It runs from the base of the skull down the back, ending just above the tailbone. When a person slips and falls in a way that injures the neck and back, the spinal cord can suffer from significant damage.
If you sustain a spinal cord injury, you can become completely or partially paralyzed below the injury. In severe cases, spinal cord damage can result in permanent complications. However, you may able to regain some feeling and function with proper treatment.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones are some of the most common injuries in slip and fall accidents. These fractures can occur in any part of the body, but often affect the wrists, knees, arms, hips, and legs. Broken bones can take months to heal and may lead to permanent complications, especially for elderly people.
Hip fractures from falls can be especially dangerous. Many victims require hospitalization and hip replacement surgery. A broken hip can lead to secondary health complications, including blood clots, atrophy, and urinary tract infections.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not all slip and fall accident injuries are physical in nature. It is common to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a traumatic fall. This mental health disorder is characterized by flashbacks, mood swings, nightmares, and many other disruptive symptoms, which can affect your ability to engage in daily activities.
What to Do If You Suffer a Slip and Fall Injury
A slip and fall accident can have a major impact on your life and lead to long-term complications. If you suffer a slip and fall injury, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible—even if you do not experience symptoms immediately after the accident.
In some cases, you may be eligible for a lawsuit against the person or entity that caused your accident. To determine your options for financial compensation, it is important to speak with a Georgia slip and fall accident attorney about your case.
A lawyer can evaluate your situation, gather relevant evidence, and advocate aggressively for your right to a fair settlement. Contact an Augusta slip and fall attorney as soon as possible after your accident to discuss your next steps.
