Every year, thousands of people are injured in slip and fall accidents across the country. According to statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 20% to 30% of victims sustained injuries that hampered independent living and limited mobility. In this article we look at common injuries from slip and fall accidents and how these can impact patients’ lives.
If you’re an attorney working on a case involving a patient who sustained injuries in a slip and fall accident, the team at Cardinal LifeCare Consulting can help you prepare for trial or negotiations with insurers. We specialize in creating evidence-based, objective life care plans that paint a clear picture of a patients current and future medical needs and the related medical costs. Whether you need an expert witness for your case or want to speak to one of our certified life care planners, call us today at 724-487-0519 to get started.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
While most traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are caused by direct contact with the ground or an object, some patients may sustain a TBI without hitting their heads. There are cases where patients have suffered symptoms of a brain injury after experiencing a violent jolt that causes the brain to bounce or twist inside the skull. Stress on the brain can cause long-term damage and impact the patient’s ability to move, speak, and more.
Broken, Cracked, or Fractured Bones
In a slip and fall accident, the victim often hits the ground at speed resulting in broken, cracked, or fractured bones. Broken bones can take months to heal with some breaks inhibiting movement and rendering certain limbs unusable during the recovery process.
Damage to the Knees
When falling, it’s natural instinct to use hands, arms, and knees to break the fall and protect the more delicate parts of the body. A direct blow to the knees or abnormal bending during a slip and fall accident can cause sprains, ligament tears, kneecap dislocation, knee joint dislocation, and more.
Back Injuries
Falling on your back can cause severe injuries such as nerve damage, slipped discs, chipped vertebra, or permanent damage to the spinal cord. Patients experiencing these complications will often require surgery, medication to manage the pain, and extensive rehabilitation to attain optimal recovery. The healing process can often take years with more severe back injuries setting patients back hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Life Care Planning & Expert Witness Services for Slip and Fall Injury Lawsuits
Victims of slip and fall accidents have a long road to recovery ahead of them. The goal of a comprehensive life care plan is to improve and maintain the clinical state of the patient; prevent secondary complications; provide the clinical and physical environment necessary for optimal recovery; provide support for the family; and provide a disability management program aimed at preventing unnecessary complications and minimizing the long-term care needs of the patient. To find out more about our life care planning services, contact us at 724-487-0519.