A slip-and-fall accident can happen to anyone. If you are hurt in a slip-and-fault accident that was not your fault, you can file a premises liability lawsuit against the responsible party to recover your lost wages, medical expenses and more.
One of the most common injuries you can sustain following a slip-and-fall incident is a back injury. Depending on the severity of the impact, back injuries can have short and long-term implications.
Here are common back injuries you need to look out for after a slip and fall:
Muscle sprains
Muscle sprains happen when you try to resist a fall. As the body moves, you might experience a muscle sprain or strain on the lower back.
Herniated discs
When an individual suddenly twists during a fall, the disc between their vertebrae can slip out of place exerting pressure on the nerves. A common symptom of a herniated disc is usually a tingling pain that radiates down to the legs.
Compression fractures
When someone lands on their back as they fall, they can compress their vertebrae. This type of back injury is common among older people or those suffering from osteoporosis. The injury victim can experience numbness, tingling or muscle spasms among other symptoms.
Tailbone injuries
These injuries happen when the victim lands on their tailbone while falling backward. As a result, the victim may bruise their tailbone resulting in a fracture of the coccyx. An injury to the tailbone also leads to injury to the surrounding ligaments.
Incomplete spinal injuries
When an individual falls on a hard surface, they are likely to fracture their vertebrae. Some of the symptoms of injury to the vertebrae may include loss of sensation or the ability to walk in an upright posture.
A slip-and-fall accident can lead to life-altering injuries like paralysis. Knowing your rights and obligations can help you pursue the damages you deserve.
