Types of Injuries That Can Occur in Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents

 Posted on March 16, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

There are many different types of accidents that may happen in the workplace, and in these situations, workers will need to understand their rights and options. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of work-related injuries. Even though these may seem like minor incidents that will not result in long-lasting harm, they can cause a variety of injuries that may affect a person in the days and weeks following an accident. In some cases, they can result in ongoing health issues or permanent disabilities. Workers who are injured in fall accidents will need to understand the types of workers’ compensation benefits they can receive to address the effects of their injuries.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

There are many reasons why slip and fall accidents may occur, including wet floors, damaged sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, or tripping hazards such as torn carpets or extension cords in an office or other locations. A person who slips and falls may experience injuries such as:

• Broken bones - The impact of a fall may lead to fractures in different parts of the body. Bones in the arms or wrists may be broken when a person braces themselves against a fall. Fractures may also occur in the hips, ankles, or ribs. While a person may not require extensive treatment for relatively mild fractures, more serious cases may involve shattered bones or damage to the surrounding tissues, and surgery may be required to repair the damage. While a broken bone is healing, a person’s ability to complete work-related tasks may be significantly impaired.

• Sprained or dislocated joints - A fall can often cause a person’s limbs to be twisted into unnatural positions, which may lead to serious damage to joints. These injuries can be very painful, and they may inhibit a person’s movements while they are healing, affecting the types of work they will be able to perform. Ongoing physical therapy may be needed following these types of injuries.

• Traumatic brain injuries - A blow to the head during a fall can cause harm to the brain, resulting in issues such as memory loss, confusion, problems with balance and coordination, and mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. In some cases, symptoms may not begin to affect a person until multiple days or weeks after an injury. Depending on the extent of the damage, a brain injury may continue to affect a person for multiple months or years.

• Spinal cord injuries - The movement of a person’s head and neck in a fall may lead to whiplash, and damage to the vertebrae in the neck can cause a number of long-lasting health issues. Injuries that affect the back, such as fractured vertebrae in the spine or herniated discs, can cause pinched nerves or other issues that may lead to chronic pain, loss of sensation, numbness or tingling, or partial or total paralysis.

Contact Our Hollister Workplace Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a fall accident that took place while you were working, you will want to make sure you receive the proper workers’ compensation benefits. Medical treatment for your injuries should be fully covered. You may also qualify for disability benefits, including temporary payments while you are recovering from your injuries or benefits that address permanent disabilities. At Cramer + Martinez, we can help you file a workers’ comp claim, and we will work to make sure the benefits you receive fully address your injuries. Contact our Santa Clara County work injury lawyers at 408-848-1113 to arrange your free consultation.

Sources:

https://aica.com/we-treat/injuries/slip-fall/

https://etraintoday.com/blog/slips-trips-falls-in-the-workplace-5-common-causes/

https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/