Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in Illinois. They can occur anywhere, including retail stores, restaurants, sidewalks, and even private homes. While some falls result in only minor harm, others cause serious and even disabling injuries.
The way a person falls, i.e., slipping backward or tripping forward, often determines the type and severity of injuries they suffer. The sections below discuss common injuries from slip and falls and how a Geneva slip and fall attorney can help you recover compensation.
Common Injuries From Slip and Falls
Slip and fall injuries can vary depending on the direction of the fall and which part of the body experiences the impact.
Injuries From Slipping and Falling Backward
When someone slips on a wet floor or another slick surface, their feet lose traction, causing them to fall backward.
Common injuries from backward falls include:
- Head injuries and concussions. Hard falls can cause a person to strike the back of their head on the ground.
- Neck and spinal injuries. Sudden backward impacts can damage the cervical spine and lead to whiplash, herniated discs, or nerve compression.
- Back injuries. Falls can cause lower back injuries, including muscle strains and disc injuries.
- Hip fractures. Landing on one’s hips or tailbone can result in serious fractures, especially in older adults.
These falls are particularly dangerous because victims have little ability to brace themselves.
Injuries From Tripping and Falling Forward
Tripping accidents often cause slip and fall victims to fall forward as their momentum carries them beyond the hazard that caused the fall. These accidents are often caused by uneven flooring, loose cords, debris, or broken pavement. In many cases, people instinctively try to catch themselves, which shifts the impact to different parts of the body.
Common injuries from forward falls include:
- Fractures to the wrist, hand, and arm. Victims often extend their arms to break the fall and suffer broken wrists, forearms, or elbows.
- Knee injuries. In tripping accidents, knees frequently strike the ground, resulting in fractures or other harm.
- Facial injuries. Forward falls can lead to broken noses and facial fractures.
- Shoulder injuries. Dislocated shoulders or torn rotator cuffs are common in tripping accidents.
Both types of falls can also cause soft tissue injuries and nerve damage.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall Accident
If your slip and fall accident occurred due to a property owner’s negligence to address known hazards, you may have a valid Geneva personal injury claim. Illinois law allows injured victims to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim and seek money for the financial losses and emotional consequences of the injury.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
The value of a slip and fall claim depends on many factors. An experienced attorney can help you track and calculate your damages.
Contact an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer for Help Understanding Your Options
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, an experienced Illinois slip and fall lawyer can help determine whether you have a valid claim. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Schedule your free consultation at Feagans Law Group today.