The most severe consequence of any accident is death, and trip and fall accidents can prove fatal. However, serious trip and fall accidents are more likely to result in permanent physical or mental impairment. According to the CDC, one out of five falls causes a serious injury. More than 800,000 people are hospitalized annually as a result of a fall. When it comes to issues contributing to disability, falls are among the most common.
Such injuries can lead to job loss, the inability to care for your family, the need for long-term care, tremendous debt, and an overall downward spiral. When a trip and fall accident occurs because an owner did not fix a hazard on their property, such as broken stairs or wet floors, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to receive compensation for your injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs run the gamut from a concussion, the mildest form, to a coma. While some victims recover from a TBI, it is usually only after months or years of physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Those suffering a severe TBI seldom recover completely.
A TBI can also result in death. In such circumstances, family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the parties responsible.
Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis. Paraplegia occurs when the victim loses function in the lower half of the body, rendering them unable to walk. Quadriplegia involves the paralysis of all four limbs.
These injuries are generally permanent. Patients must undergo extensive rehabilitation and training to help them adjust to their new lives. They depend on adaptive or assistive equipment to function in their daily lives, such as equipment allowing them to feed themselves or wheelchairs to get around. The devastation of paralysis is accompanied by the extreme expense of treatment and management.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most common consequences of falling. For most people, a broken bone means surgery, weeks or months off work, physical therapy, and the need to find others to perform certain tasks. In a worst-case scenario, a broken bone could land someone in a nursing or convalescent home for a long period.
Fear of Falling
One consequence of a severe fall is the subsequent fear of falling. While it is a normal response, it can also cause the victim to limit their mobility and stop participating in normal activities. Unfortunately, anxiety regarding falling can make a person even more likely to suffer an accident. Because they avoid even ordinary risks, they can easily get out of shape and weaker, making them more vulnerable to falling.
Contact an NYC Slip and Fall Accident Law Firm
If you or someone you know suffered serious injuries in a trip and fall accident due to another party’s negligence, contact the experienced NYC slip and fall lawyers at Friedman Levy Goldfarb & Green. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. After discussing your claim, we will let you know your options. Because we work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless you receive compensation.
