Slip and falls are some of the most common injuries in America. Although slip and falls have a bad reputation in movies and television, the truth is these incidents often result in hospitalization and can lead to long-term complications that make a full recovery extremely difficult. But what are the most common injuries after a slip and fall? Let's take a closer look.

Fractures

Broken bones are an extremely common injury after a slip and fall, especially among people over 65. That isn’t to say people of that age are more likely to fall, but that the injuries from a fall have a much greater chance of being severe.

Fractures are always a risk after a fall, even among children and active adults. If someone puts their hands out as they fall and land on their wrists, they could suffer a hairline fracture that leaves them in a cast for several months.

Lower body fractures, particularly ankle injuries, are more common on rough surfaces, such as stairs, as the angle of the fall can cause the body to twist in the wrong direction.

Brain Injuries

While broken bones are common, there is an equally common fall-related injury that is far more severe. Brain injuries are one of the most frequent outcomes of a slip and fall. In fact, falls account for about half of all brain injuries in the U.S.

It makes sense when you think about it. When someone falls, their head is the last thing to hit the ground. All the momentum of the fall is at its greatest point when someone’s head hits the ground, which causes more serious injuries.

Nobody expects that a slip and fall will change their lives forever, resulting in either cognitive or sensory impairment. Yet these incidents happen, and they are common. That’s why it’s essential that those who have been harmed from a preventable fall contact an attorney as soon as possible.

To schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney from Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, please call (888) 425-6070 or send us an email.