One of the leading causes of personal injuries is trip, slip and fall accidents. If you are involved in a slip-and-fall accident that is not your fault, it may be important that you take steps to pursue the damages you are entitled to. One of these steps involves seeking medical attention in order to establish the full extent of your injuries.
A slip-and-fall accident can lead to a range of injuries. While some of these injuries may go away after taking pain medication, others can be life-altering.
In fact, studies show that slip-and-fall accidents are some of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Besides TBIs, here are two other catastrophic injuries that you can suffer following a slip-and-fall accident. Here’s what you should know:
Hip dislocations
Everyone is at risk of tripping, slipping and falling. However, older people are particularly at a greater risk of slipping and falling due to their reduced muscle tone, diminished flexibility and loss of bone mass. And if they fall, the damage to the hips can be life-altering. Hip injuries in older people may require bed rest, extended periods of hospitalization and long-term care.
Back and neck injuries
Besides the brain, the spine is just as important for quality living. Your spinal cord is responsible for almost every aspect of your movement.
Unfortunately, a slip-and-fall accident can lead to a variety of spinal cord injuries such as fractured vertebrae, spinal disc herniation and damage to the actual spinal cord. Depending on the severity of the slip-and-fall impact, back and neck injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
Taking action after a slip-and-fall accident
It is important that you seek treatment immediately following a slip-and-fall accident. Next, you may need to file a premises liability claim against the property owner within the statute of limitations period. And in Indiana, this is two years from the date of the slip-and-fall accident that resulted in your injuries.
A slip-and-fall accident can turn your life upside down. Knowing your legal options could help you pursue the compensation you deserve following a trip, slip and fall accident in Indiana.