A public slip-and-fall can be an embarrassing experience. Most people try to brush themselves off and move on with their shopping or other errands as quickly as possible. However, that eagerness to avoid embarrassment can lead to consequences later. People could have noteworthy injuries that end up costing them money.
After a slip-and-fall occurs, especially when there are clear signs of negligent facility maintenance, the person who fell may need to report the matter to the store manager on duty. They may even need to consider seeing a doctor.
What injuries could arise after a slip-and-fall that could render detailed documenting of the incident necessary?
Broken bones
When people fall, they can break bones. Older adults are at increased risk of fall-related fractures. In some cases, they might fail to notice a fracture until later, especially if the bone doesn’t end up pushed out of place.
Brain injuries
When people fall, they might hit their heads, causing bleeding or inflammation inside the skull. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause many different types of symptoms, including issues with vision, challenges with fine motor control and cognitive challenges.
Soft tissue injuries
People can overexert their body parts when they try to stop a fall in progress. Especially when people work in the service sector or in a blue-collar career, injuries sustained in a fall cause lost wages in addition to medical expenses.
People who understand that they could sustain a serious injury in a same-level fall may handle the situation more effectively if they slip or trip and sustain harm as a result. Seeking care and preserving evidence are both important for those who fall in public locations. Filing a premises liability lawsuit is sometimes necessary after a slip-and-fall leaves a person unable to work and/or inspires major medical expenses.