September 26, 2023 | Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are amongst the most common types of accident that people are injured in. These accidents can result in minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises that heal in a matter of days. However, they can also result in serious injuries that can be catastrophic in some cases. If your slip and fall accident was the result of the negligent actions of another party, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries through a personal injury claim.

Common Types of Injuries Resulting from Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor scrapes to severe and even catastrophic injuries. Some common types of injuries that can occur in a slip and fall accident include:

• Soft tissue injuries

These include sprains and strains. They occur as a result of the overstretching of muscles or tendons resulting in tears. These injuries often affect the ankles, wrists, back and neck.

• Fractures and dislocations

These include dislocation of joints as well as breaking or fracturing of bones. These injuries can be severe when they affect major joints or result in compound injuries. They often affect the hip, ankle and wrists.

• Head injuries

Slip and fall accident victims can suffer head injuries from the impact of the fall. Injuries can range in severity from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries which affect cognitive function for the rest of the victim’s life.

• Spinal cord injuries

Spinal injuries are catastrophic injuries. These injuries can occur from the impact of the fall or awkward twisting of the spine. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis as well as other neurological deficits that affect the victim’s life for the long term.

• Cuts, bruises and abrasions

These injuries occur as a result of impact with objects. They can range in severity depending on how deep the injury is. These injuries can occur on any part of the body.

• Internal injuries

Internal injuries are often severe and life-threatening. Injuries to internal organs such as the spleen or liver can result in internal bleeding. These injuries can result in death if the victim is not attended to quickly.

• Psychological trauma

Aside from physical injuries, victims may also suffer psychological trauma from the accident. They may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and other psychological effects from the accident.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. This is vital even if your injuries don’t appear severe. Some injuries do not manifest until hours or even days after the accident. Seeking immediate medical care will help to prevent complications from developing. It will also ensure that your injuries are documented for when you need to seek compensation.

Types of Compensation Available for Slip and Fall Accidents

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident and the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to recovering compensation through a personal injury claim. There are various types of compensation available for slip and fall accidents. Some of the most common are listed below:

• Medical expenses

This type of compensation covers the cost of medical treatment related to the injuries sustained as a result of the slip and fall accident. This may include the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, doctor’s visits, rehabilitation, medication and physical therapy.

• Lost wages

When a person is injured in a slip and fall accident, they may not be able to return to work for the period of recovery. This type of compensation is awarded to replace the amount of money the person would have earned during this period.

• Lost capacity to earn

There are instances when the victim of an accident is unable to return to work as a result of their injuries.  For example, when a victim suffers permanent impairment from the accident they may not be able to return to a physical job. This compensation replaces the wages they would have earned if they had not been injured.

• Pain and suffering

This compensation is for the physical as well as the emotional pain that the victim suffers as a result of their experience. The amount awarded often depends on the severity of the injuries.

• Emotional distress

This is compensation for emotional or psychological trauma that the victim may have suffered as a result of the accident. For example, if the victim develops post traumatic stress syndrome as a result of the accident, they ought to be compensated accordingly.

• Death benefits

These are awarded in the event that the victim dies as a result of the injuries suffered in the accident. These benefits are given to the survivors of the victim. They may cover costs such as funeral or burial expenses. They may also cover lost income and more.

The exact type of benefits you can recover will depend on the circumstances of your case. Contact our law firm to speak with an experienced attorney and learn more about your rights and what you are eligible to recover.

Slip and Fall Accidents Omaha