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1 in 5 Slip and Falls Results in Serious Injury

Posted by Denis Zilberberg
Date
Filed in Slip Fall Accident

Family day! As restrictions are slowly being lifted around the state, you find yourself a little stir crazy and plan an outing with the kids. Why not bowling? There’s something physical everyone can enjoy. Let’s wear the kids out.

Halfway through the first game, your youngest gets stir crazy, as toddlers do, so you safely let him wander a bit in the uncrowded bowling alley. He is delighted! All the big wide-open space, the colorful murals on the wall, and the colorful balls capture his attention. Suddenly something gets his attention, and he darts off running!

As the parent of a toddler, you’re used to the impulse runs of a two-year-old. What you’re not prepared for is slipping in front of the shop counter and falling hard on your elbow, hip, and back.

Gotta get the baby.

Instinct takes over and up you jump and grab your little one before he gets into something dangerous. The staff is asking if you’re ok. A little embarrassed, you shrug it off, scoop up your toddler, and go back to the lanes with the rest of the family.

Later at home, you notice you feel slightly sore, maybe even a little bruised, but nothing’s broken. You take a few Ibuprofen and head to bed. The next morning, however, you can barely move.

Soft tissue injuries are different from broken bones. They may not cause pain right away. It can take time for the inflammation, swelling, and spasms to develop, leaving you wrenching with the pain. In those hours, you may cause your body more trauma by moving like you usually do, like picking up and chasing a toddler.

The Law Offices of John B. Richards understand that there can be delayed onset of injuries from slip and falls. If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident, you need a slip fall accident attorney in Santa Barbara, California. We can investigate your case to determine liability and seek the compensation you deserve.

Why You Should Take Your Fall Seriously

Slip and fall accidents can have medical consequences for years. Let’s face it; a toddler can fall a hundred times a day and pop up just fine. When you’re a little older, sometimes you can feel that bruise for a week. Sometimes a fall can do more damage than we realize. Soft tissue damage can cause swelling around the spine, we can slip a disc in some severe cases, or we can sprain our wrist trying to break our fall only to have recurring problems in that wrist for the rest of our lives. A slip and fall aren’t simple. According to the National Floor Safety Institute:

  • 8 million people find themselves in the ER every year
  • Fractures have the most severe consequences
  • Slip and falls are the leading cause of worker’s compensation claims
  • Total injuries due to falls account for $13-14 million in medical care

If you slip and fall, you need to know your rights and how to respond, regardless if you think you are seriously hurt at the moment.

What You Should Do

If you slip and fall, first and foremost, report it.

  • It is essential to report the accident to the highest-ranking individual present
  • Seek medical attention, whether you think you are seriously injured or not. Soft tissue damage can occur hours after the accident.
  • Gather evidence. Don’t forget to snap a few pictures. Take pictures of where you fell from a few different angles, take pictures of your injuries, bruises
  • Obtain legal representation. Those bruises on your hip, shoulder, and back could be indicative of future pain and suffering and medical costs

Only a personal injury attorney can advise you of your rights. If you have slipped and fallen, contact a personal injury lawyer today.

Call The Law Office of John B. Richards Today

If you have experienced a slip and fall or know someone who has, don’t hesitate. Call the Law Office of John B Richards today to advise you of your rights and see that you are compensated for your injuries. When you need a slip and fall attorney in Santa Barbara, California, contact The Law Office of John B. Richards for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 805-683-2736.

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