Many slip-and-falls seem minor or potentially even humorous. People who lose their balance in a public space may yell. They often flail their arms in a dramatic fashion. Others nearby may find the entire process somewhat amusing, especially if the person stands up and seems uninjured.
For those who have fallen, the initial reaction is often one of embarrassment. Many people feel exposed and vulnerable after a slip-and-fall. They worry about other people judging them or laughing at them. Those emotional reactions may result in people making the wrong choices in response to a slip-and-fall.
People who are injured in a slip-and-fall accident may not report the matter to the management of the place where their accident occurred, which may make it harder for them to seek compensation later. Slip-and-fall incidents can easily end up being far more costly than people initially anticipate.
What makes a slip-and-fall expensive?
There are several types of serious injuries that people can sustain when they fall. Some people simply have bruises or scrapes that they can treat on their own. Others are less fortunate.
Many people who fall break bones. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to fractures. People who lose their balance and try to catch themselves can break an arm or a collarbone. In some cases, falls can also result in fractures in the hips or lower extremities.
People who break bones usually require thousands of dollars in medical care. They may also miss eight weeks or more of work while they recover from their injuries. The combination of lost wages and medical expenses can add up to far more than people initially anticipate.
If people cannot prevent themselves from falling, then they might hit their head on the floor, their shopping cart or nearby fixtures. They may then develop a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Frequently, people don’t have symptoms immediately after they hit their heads.
Instead, it takes several days or even weeks for symptoms to arise. Treatment for TBIs can be incredibly expensive. Those with moderate to severe injuries may develop permanent functional challenges that could affect their earning potential.
Given that people can sometimes underestimate the severity of their injuries and their need to take time away from work, it is usually best to treat every slip-and-fall incident like a serious one. Reporting a slip-and-fall and seeking medical care afterward can help protect an individual’s right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the business if necessary. People who know how to handle slip-and-fall injuries may be less likely to make mistakes that limit their opportunities later.