Unfortunately, any fall could be devastating. Many of us have slipped and fallen at some point in our lives. In some instances, however, falls can result in serious injury or even death. What are the most serious injuries after a fall? And how can you protect your legal rights if you have been seriously injured in a fall accident?
While some people may be able to recover from fall injuries with time and rehabilitation, others may require lifelong care. In the most severe cases, a fall accident can even result in death. After a fall, you must act fast to protect your rights and ensure your case is treated fairly.
At Gould Injury Law, we have helped many people who have been hurt in a fall get fair compensation. We understand the devastating impact that a fall can have on your life. Our lawyers work fast to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Complete our online form or call 888-WIN-FAST to schedule a free case review.
Serious Injuries After a Fall Accident
A fall can cause serious injuries that may require long-term medical treatment. In some cases, these accidents can even be fatal. Some of the most extreme injuries that can result from a fall accident include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage, perhaps leading to paralysis
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains
- Severe cuts or lacerations
- Contusions
- Concussions
- Fractured vertebrae
- Whiplash
Most people will recover from a fall accident without any long-term effects but others face chronic pain. This pain may significantly lower a victim’s quality of life. The following are 3 of the most severe fall injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
One of the most serious consequences of a fall is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI can occur when your head hits something hard or when your head is suddenly and violently jarred.
Symptoms of a TBI can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Depression
In severe cases, a Traumatic Brain Injury can lead to coma or even death.
Broken bones
Bones can break when hit with enough force or when twisted or bent in an unnatural way. When you fall, your body is usually thrown off balance and you can land awkwardly on your arm or leg.
Symptoms of a broken bone include intense pain, swelling, and bruising. In some cases, bones may poke through the skin. If a bone breaks in multiple places, it is called a compound fracture. This type of fracture is particularly serious because it increases the risk of infection.
Psychological injuries
Some people might assume that victims of a fall only have to face physical injuries. However, fall accidents can have a profound psychological effect on the victim.
The sudden, unexpected nature of the fall can lead to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and fear. The victim may become withdrawn and reluctant to participate in hobbies or other activities.
One study shows that elderly fall victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a fall. PTSD is a condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Symptoms of PTSD include experiencing flashbacks or nightmares. Other symptoms are avoidance of places or people that remind the person of the event, negative changes in mood and thinking, and feeling constantly on edge.
In addition to PTSD, fall victims may experience:
- Depression
- Anger
- Irritability
These feelings can be a result of the physical pain and discomfort associated with the injury. Victims may suffer from frustration over feeling that life has been changed due to the accident. Feelings of frustration may develop due to the inability to provide for the family.
Fall accidents can have an effect on the victim’s relationships. It is common for spouses, family members, and friends to become more protective of the disabled party out of concern.
This can lead to tension as the victim may feel smothered or as if he or she is not being allowed to live a normal life. In some cases, this increased sense of protectiveness by loved ones may even lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
People react to pain and suffering differently. Any victim who experiences emotional trauma after a physical injury should not be belittled. Anyone injured needs to be treated with respect while healing physically and emotionally.
If you or a loved one is suffering emotional trauma, you need an understanding lawyer who will get you a fast settlement. This way, you can get the treatment and support you deserve as soon as possible.
What Are Your Rights After Being Harmed in a Fall?
What are your rights after being hurt in a fall? The following are some of the legal avenues you may have the right to pursue:
- You have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses if your accident was caused by another party’s negligence
- You could be entitled to reimbursement for any lost wages due to the incident, as well as for pain and suffering
- You may be able to seek punitive damages if the responsible party’s actions were especially egregious or careless
- You have the right to file a personal injury claim if you have been harmed in a fall caused by another party’s negligence
You should speak with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and provide you with guidance on how best to proceed. An attorney can also help you file all necessary paperwork and represent you in court if necessary.
We know that the faster we can get you the money you need, the better off you will be. That is why our team at Gould Injury Law works fast to get you the best possible settlement as quickly as possible.
Who Is Likely to Experience Severe Consequences After a Fall?
Many times, people who have been in a fall accident will try to “tough it out” and go about their day-to-day activities. However, this can make the injury worse and delay healing time.
Often, the severity of an injury may not be obvious at first. The following groups of people may be at risk of severe harm after a fall incident.
Construction workers
Construction workers are vulnerable to fall accidents. These accidents can result in serious consequences, including paralysis and brain damage.
In addition to the physical injuries that can result from a fall, the emotional toll can be significant. Construction workers are at high risk of developing depression after an accident. Depression is a common reaction to suffering a painful injury, and it can make it difficult to recover both physically and emotionally.
Construction workers are at high risk for suicide after sustaining a painful injury. Some studies show construction workers who are hurt on the job are more likely to commit suicide than workers in other industries. Some workers may not have access to mental health services or support, making it difficult to cope with pain or deal with the aftermath of a fall.
Healthcare workers
Many injuries that occur in the healthcare workplace are caused by slips and falls, according to the National Safety Council. One study shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that healthcare workers are at high risk for fall accidents.
Fall accidents can have serious consequences for healthcare workers. Injuries can lead to missed work days, lower productivity, and increased health care costs.
Elderly adults
It can be devastating when an elderly loved one is involved in a slip-and-fall accident. The physical and emotional impact can be significant, and the road to recovery can be long and difficult.
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for seniors. The CDC reports that 1 out of 5 falls result in a serious injury. Some falls can lead to long-term disability or even death.
Fall Accident Attorneys Ready to Fight for You
Falls can range from being inconvenient to life-threatening. After an accident, you could be facing a long road to recovery – and perhaps some hefty medical bills, depending on the severity of your injuries.
Thus, it’s important to consult with an experienced fall accident attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve. When you need a fast and fair settlement, call Gould Injury Law.
At Gould Injury Law, we have helped countless victims of fall accidents get financial justice. We know what it takes to win a fast settlement for injured clients. Our team of attorneys is ready to fight so that you can focus on your recovery without financial stress. We work fast to build a strong case for you. Additionally, we are not afraid to take on big insurance companies.
No matter how serious your injuries are, Gould Injury Law can help you seek the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Remember, the faster you act to protect your rights, the better your chances of success.
Don’t delay – call the fast-working attorneys of Gould Injury Law. We can review your case for free and advise you on how to proceed. Call 888-WIN-FAST or complete our online contact form to get started.
