2 ways people end up seriously hurt due to a New York slip-and-fall

On Behalf of Mallilo & Grossman Attorneys at Law | Jul 28, 2023 |

Slip-and-fall situations, or same-level falls, generally do not receive the respect that they deserve from members of the public. People often act as though a same-level fall is not a serious safety concern. However, same-level falls are a common cause of numerous serious injuries, especially among older adults. They send roughly a million people each year to the hospital.

Individuals at an apartment building or a store shouldn’t have to worry about suddenly falling because of unsafe, unclean or poorly maintained facilities. However, that is exactly what happens to thousands of shoppers and visitors each year.

How does a same-level fall potentially result in someone suffering a serious injury?

They hit their heads

The worst possible injury in the average slip-and-fall scenario is when someone strikes their head. The force of the fall can be enough to cause significant damage, particularly if someone falls directly forward or backward without slowing themselves at all. Even a fall to the side could result in a head injury of someone hits themselves on a shopping cart, a piece of furniture, a wall or a fixture nearby. Head injuries can lead to hospitalization and lost earning potential, as well as massive adjustments for the person who gets hurt.

They try to stop the fall

Losing balance effectively puts a person in an untenable situation. They either fall and get hurt or try to stop themselves and potentially get hurt. Attempts to catch or brace oneself while falling can very easily lead to broken bones in the arms and shoulders. The jerky physical reaction that people may have to losing their balance might lead to them kicking their legs out, which could lead to injuries to the lower extremities as well. Broken bones and soft tissue injuries can easily result from an individual’s attempt to slow their descent or prevent hitting the floor.

Those who slip and fall in a public space will have the best chance of protecting their interests if they report the incident and then seek medical evaluation for their broken bones or possible head injury. Recognizing why a same-level fall is a safety concern may help people handle one appropriately if they lose their balance in a public place.

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