5 Common Slip and Fall Injuires - Chicago Injury Attorney

By Matthew Willens  May. 12, 2016 2:53p

In United States, over a million people experience a significant fall injury each year. In fact, slip and fall injuries are among the most common reason for emergency room visits, and are also the third largest cause of workplace injuries. Each year, around 16,000 lives are lost due to slip and fall accidents.

Fall injuries generally come under premises liability law, which holds a property owner or a management/maintenance company responsible for injuries that occur on their premises if the victim is able to prove negligence. In other words, when a tenant or visitor living on another person’s property sustains a serious injury in a fall, the owner or management/maintenance company can be held responsible. Some negligent acts include torn carpet, defective or missing hand rails on stairs, inadequate lighting, slippery substances, among other things. If the victim is able to prove negligence that led to significant injury that resulted in extensive medical treatment or hospitalization, the negligent person or party can be made to pay compensation.

Common injuries caused by slip and fall

• Sprains and fractures: The abrupt movement when a person slips and falls can cause him/her to twist an ankle or knee. When the person lands hard enough it can cause a fracture. The most common injuries sustained in a slip and fall are fractures of the leg, forearm, upper arm, ankle, wrist and hand. According to Centers for Disease Control, most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.

• Hip fractures: According to CDC, more than 95 percent of hip fractures are a result of a fall. Hip fractures often require surgery and hospitalization.

• Shoulder injuries: The sudden jolt to the shoulder from a fall can cause a brachial plexus injury or shoulder dislocation. The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that connect the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand. These nerves can get torn or become stretched if a violent blow forces the shoulder downward as the head is pushed away from the shoulder.

• Head injuries: According to CDC, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. A TBI may range from a concussion to a serious injury that has lifelong effects.

• Back and spinal cord injuries: Slipped and herniated discs are a common result of falls. These injuries can cause immense pain and limit mobility.

In cases involving slip and fall accidents, the victims must prove that either:

• The property owner created unsafe conditions that led to the injury

• The property owner failed to maintain the property

• Or, that the property owner was aware of unsafe hazard or the dangerous premises but did not alert the tenant or visitors to this fact

The victim may also have to prove whether the condition was safe or temporary, because if the condition was temporary, the duration for which it existed may make it difficult to prove the case. If you have sustained slip and fall injury on someone else’s premises, you should consult Chicago injury lawyers to get help with the claim. Call (312) 957-4166 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.