Slip and fall accidents are alarmingly common in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries, and they account for approximately 8.9 million emergency room visits each year. Falls are also the second-leading cause of unintentional death, and in 2009, more than 25,000 people lost their lives in falls.
A slip and fall on someone else’s property can cause painful injuries that are expensive to treat. They may also force you to take time off work for recovery, which can threaten your financial security. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for these losses.
If your slip and fall happened in Iowa, contact a Cedar Rapids accident lawyer from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. We can evaluate your case and help you pursue the maximum compensation.
Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation. You can also visit http://accident.usattorneys.com/iowa/ to learn more about injury claims in Iowa.
Here is a brief overview of five common injuries in slip and fall accidents:
1. Head Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls were the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries between 2006 and 2010. A traumatic brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a permanent loss of cognitive function. If you notice headaches, disorientation or seizures after a fall, consult a doctor immediately.
2. Back and Spinal Injuries
A fall can cause severe back and spinal cord injuries. Common examples include herniated disks and fractured vertebrae. A spinal cord injury can cause severe pain and reduce mobility. Serious falls may result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
3. Hip Fractures
According to the CDC, falls are the leading causes of hip fractures. A hip fracture can be a painful and debilitating experience. It may require surgery, lengthy hospitalization and ongoing care and rehabilitation. In severe cases, the patient may require a hip transplant.
4. Broken Bones and Sprains
Slipping and falling can cause the victim to twist an ankle or knee. This can sprain or tear important ligaments and muscles that may require surgery to repair. If the person impacts the ground with significant force, then he or she could break a bone.
5. Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder dislocations are common in slips and falls. These may require emergency medical care and ongoing rehabilitation in order to return the shoulder and arm to original condition. Many patients never fully recover from a severe shoulder dislocation.
Unfortunately, slips and falls often happen because storeowners are negligent. If a property owner or manager does not fix a potential hazard in a reasonable about of time, or fails to warn customers, then he or she may be liable for resulting injuries.
If you sustained injuries on someone else’s property, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids injury attorney can assess your case to determine if you may have a legitimate claim. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a consultation.