When someone slips and falls, the unexpected impact of hitting the floor, ground or other hard surfaces can cause significant trauma to the head. Unfortunately, victims may not always know they have a serious head injury. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early on is critical.
Below, our personal injury firm discusses the common head injuries caused by slip-and-fall accidents, including key symptoms to watch for and the legal steps you should take following such a fall.
Injured in a slip and fall? At Massey & Associates, we can help determine if you may be eligible for significant compensation for your injuries and other damages. Our experienced slip-and-fall lawyers in Chattanooga have a history of proven results, and we are committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. Call for a FREE case review. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.
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Common Head Injuries From Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall victims who hit their head are often more focused on whether they may have a concussion. A concussion can occur when you hit your head violently on something, like the floor or a piece of furniture. Symptoms from a concussion may include symptoms like dizziness, headaches and memory issues. While concussions are concerning, there are other head injuries that are even more life-threatening.
Slip-and-fall accidents can cause a range of head injuries, including:
- Skull Fractures: If the bones of the skull crack or break, victims could suffer further complications such as a brain bleed or serious infection.
- Brain Contusions: A contusion is a bruise on your brain tissue caused by a severe blow to your head. This can lead to swelling and intense pressure on your brain.
- Brain Hemorrhaging: Internal bleeding in your brain can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention to relieve pressure and prevent further damage.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury: This occurs when your brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, tearing nerve fibers and leading to severe and sometimes permanent brain damage in certain cases.
Falling and hitting your head on a tough surface, such as tile or concrete, is more than enough to cause any of these injuries. Other contributing factors can determine the severity of your head injury. For instance, the way in which you fell, whether you were able to brace yourself with your hand or elbow, and the force of impact. These are all factors that determine the severity of your head injury.
Symptoms To Watch for After a Head Injury
Recognizing the symptoms of a serious head injury is critical for timely medical intervention. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a slip and fall, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or loss of balance/coordination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or memory problems
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Fluid draining from your nose or ears
- Unequal or enlarged pupil size
- Seizures
- Personality changes or moodiness
Some injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), share many of these symptoms, which is one reason it is important to see a doctor immediately. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the number one cause of TBIs, so it is crucial to go to the doctor for evaluation and diagnostic testing. It could save your life.
Long-Term Effects of Head Injuries
Head injuries can potentially have long-lasting and debilitating effects on your life, including:
- Chronic pain, such as persistent headaches and pain, that requires ongoing management.
- Cognitive impairments, such as trouble remembering, concentrating on a task and decision-making.
- Personality changes that cause you to behave differently. You may get angry or irritable at unusual or atypical times; you may feel emotionally unstable.
- Need for ongoing medical care, such as ongoing follow-up appointments, therapy, and rehabilitation to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. This may include speech or physical therapy if your injury has affected your cognitive or motor abilities. Therapy is necessary to help you regain function in these areas.
These effects can prevent you from being able to work, engage in daily activities and manage relationships. Again, it is vital you seek immediate medical care after a slip and fall. Even if you feel fine, it is better to err on the side of caution than to risk your health and regret it later.
Legal Steps To Take After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
If you sustain a head injury from a slip-and-fall accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and secure compensation:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: This protects your health, helping you get the treatment you need sooner. It also documents your injuries and links them to the incident that caused them.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of the accident scene, gather witness statements and keep records of your medical treatments, including prescriptions for pain relief, doctor visits and diagnostic testing.
- Report the Accident: Notify the property owner or manager about the incident. The facility where your fall occurred would need to be notified, especially since it likely has insurance for incidents such as these.
- Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence and file a claim to pursue compensation.
Head Injury After a Slip and Fall? Speak With Massey & Associates Today
If you have suffered a head injury in a slip-and-fall accident, the dedicated attorneys at Massey & Associates are here to help.
With help people injured by the negligence of others every day, and we have a history of proven results, securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Our Alabama legal team is committed to fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.
No Upfront Costs. Millions Recovered. (423) 697-4529.
Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.
