Physical Ailments to Watch for After Suffering a Slip and Fall Accident

In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, we often try to brush off immediate sensations of pain or discomfort. The body’s natural response, often fueled by adrenaline, can mask any injuries sustained in the slip and fall. It’s also not uncommon to downplay the severity of the fall, especially in situations where we are rushing to get to work, are late for an appointment, or simply want to avoid drawing attention in public out of embarrassment. The rush of adrenaline can temporarily delay our recognition of any injury signals, leaving individuals unaware they have sustained any injuries. Despite the absence of immediate pain, it’s crucial to recognize that walking away seemingly unscathed doesn’t guarantee that you are alright. For this reason, it is wise to seek medical attention following a slip and fall, as seemingly minor accidents can have hidden repercussions that may manifest themselves as the adrenaline wears off, even days after the slip and fall occurs.

At Abrahamson and Uiterwyk, our nearby team of personal injury attorneys understand just how serious undetected slip and fall injuries can be, especially when left untreated. That’s why we’re committed to providing people with information about potential physical ailments that they may experience after slip and fall accidents, and encouraging them to seek medical attention if those ailments are encountered. By providing individuals with this information, we aim to help protect their health and well-being.

Feeling Unwell After A Fall?

After a slip and fall accident in Florida, individuals may experience symptoms that indicate potential internal or external trauma that require immediate medical attention. It’s very important to be aware of these warning signs so that victims of slip and fall accidents can understand that serious injuries could have occurred and that they should seek medical assistance, especially if they are feeling unwell after a fall.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are often a common consequence of slip and fall accidents, which frequently involve falling backwards onto our tailbone or back. Back injuries can range in severity and involve injury to various parts of the back, including:

• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Ribs
• Spine
• Discs

Symptoms that indicate a back injury has occurred after a slip and fall can include various sorts of discomfort and pain, including:

• Sharp pain
• Stiffness
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the back or throughout the legs and toes
• Difficulty moving, such as turning from side to side or sitting up without pain

These symptoms can manifest themselves immediately after a slip and fall, or develop gradually following the accident. In more severe cases, slip and fall accidents can lead to long-term disabilities or paralysis if not treated promptly. It’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms are experienced to ensure a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may involve rest, physical therapy, medication, or, in critical cases, surgical intervention.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are another common injury sustained in Florida slip and fall accidents, often occurring when individuals hit the back of their head upon impact with a hard surface as they typically fall backwards. Slip and fall head injuries can range in severity from minor to life-threatening, and can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s)
• Concussions
• Brain bleeds
• Skull fractures
• Swelling of the brain

Symptoms of head injuries vary, but it is important to be able to recognize them, as some head injuries can be life-threatening. Head injury symptoms can include:

• Headaches or migraines
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Nausea or vomiting

It’s critical to prioritize seeing a doctor directly after a fall, regardless of immediate symptoms. Head injuries from slips and falls can have delayed symptoms, potentially surfacing days or weeks later. If you are throwing up after a fall, or experiencing nausea after falling, it is very important that you seek immediate medical attention. By addressing any potential trauma to the head or brain right away, individuals can mitigate the risk of complications or life-threatening consequences of slip and fall accidents.

Broken Bones

Slip and fall accidents can result in broken bones, due to the force of impact, especially when a slip and fall occurs on a wet or frozen surface. Common fractures resulting from slip and fall accidents include:

• Broken wrist, elbow, or arm
• Broken hip
• Broken ankle
• Broken leg
• Broken back

Treatment for broken bones may range from wearing a cast for a length of time to physical rehabilitation therapy, to surgery depending on how severe the broken bone is. It’s important to recognize symptoms of a broken bone, such as:

• Localized pain
• Swelling
• Deformity
• Difficulty or inability to bear weight on the affected limb

Seeking immediate medical attention is important if a broken bone is suspected. Even seemingly minor fractures require prompt medical evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications and to help ensure a speedy recovery.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons, frequently occur in slip and fall accidents, and include:

• Minor strains and sprains
• Severe tears and ruptures

Common symptoms of soft tissue injuries can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Bruising
• Difficulty moving the affected area

Treatment for soft tissue injuries typically entails the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), with pain relief medication and physical therapy if required. However, it’s important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Left untreated, soft tissue injuries can result in chronic pain and reduced mobility, highlighting the importance of timely intervention for optimal recovery.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents can vary in severity. These types of injuries may manifest themselves in a number of ways, including:

• Severe pain
• Loss of sensation or movement in the limbs
• Difficulty breathing
• Paralysis

From mild to severe cases, the consequences of a spinal cord injury can be profound and life-altering. It’s important to recognize the urgency of seeking medical treatment after experiencing these symptoms, as spinal cord injuries can sometimes be life-threatening. Seeking immediate medical attention is a crucial step to preventing further damage and enhances the prospects of recovery. Treatment protocols for spinal cord injuries after a slip and fall may involve spinal immobilization, surgical intervention, and comprehensive physical rehabilitation to mitigate long-term effects and restore function.

How A Florida Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After A Slip And Fall Accident

Seeking the support of a Florida personal injury lawyer is paramount when trying to seek the compensation you rightfully deserve after being injured in a slip and fall accident caused by another party’s negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk can fight on your behalf. With their legal knowledge with Florida’s laws and regulations overseeing personal injury claims, our team can help you pursue the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages sustained in the accident. Our lawyers can help with many aspects of the personal injury process, from start to finish, including:

• Legal Guidance – A Florida personal injury lawyer from our team can provide tailored legal advice for your specific situation, explaining your rights and options for pursuing compensation under Florida law.
• Investigation – We will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding what caused the slip and fall accident and gather evidence to strengthen your case, such as:
  • Witness statements
  • Surveillance footage
  • Accident reports
• Establishing Liability – A slip and fall injury attorney from our team will work diligently to establish liability by proving that the property owner or responsible party’s negligence led to the slip and fall accident, whether through failure to maintain safe premises or other breaches of duty.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies – We will handle all communications and negotiations with the negligent party’s insurance company on your behalf. Our main goal is to seek a fair settlement that may compensate you for all of your injuries and losses.
• Calculating Damages – A personal injury attorney on our team can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including:
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future rehabilitation costs
• Court Representation – If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, our personal injury attorneys are prepared to represent you in court. We will strongly advocate for your interests and present your case before a judge and jury.
• Timely Filing of Claims – We will also ensure that all necessary paperwork and legal documents are filed correctly and within the applicable statute of limitations. This will prevent any potential issues that could jeopardize obtaining compensation.
• Access to Medical Experts – We have connections with medical professionals who can provide expert testimony regarding your injuries.
• Peace of Mind – Having an experienced Florida personal injury attorney near you on your side can provide peace of mind during what may be a stressful and challenging time. Our team works hard, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.