Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyers

Injuries from a fall can range from minor, serious, or life-threatening depending on the type of fall, the location of the injury, the age of the victim, and the overall health of the victim. Injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident in California frequently include:

1. Broken bones: Fractures to the ankle or wrist are common fall-related injuries. For people over 65, falls account for 87% of bone fracture injuries. A “Fall Onto Outstretched Hand” injury is commonly referred to as a FOOSH fracture. FOOSH fractures may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended rest. Ankle injuries are one type of injury that insurance companies like to downplay, but are very serious. Healing from a severe ankle fracture like a trimalleolar fracture can take more than 12 weeks.
2. Bruises and contusions: Bruising is a common result of a fall impact. While most bruises heal over time with rest, severe bruises can cause permanent tissue damage, chronic numbness, loss of function, or loss of muscle strength.
3. Dislocated shoulders: A blow causing the top of your arm to pop out of its socket can cause a painful dislocated shoulder injury. The shoulder is an unstable joint, and prone to slipping out of place. Surgery may be needed if nerves or blood vessels are damaged.
4. Knee injuries: The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the body, and plays an important role in supporting weight. Knee injuries from a fall include fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, meniscal tears, and tendon tears. Surgery and extended rest may be necessary to regain function following a knee injury.
5. Lacerations: Falling can cause cuts and scratches from landing on a sharp surface or reaching out to try and break a fall. Older adults who are more prone to falls are also more vulnerable to lacerations, bleeding, and infections.
6. Nerve or spine damage: Any numbness, change in function, or significant weakness below what’s referred to in medical terminology as the patient’s “level of injury” could indicate a spinal cord injury. In older adults, the force needed to cause a spinal injury is significantly less, and even a minor accident can cause bones to break more easily. Treatment will be decided based on the severity of symptoms and the location of the injury. In some cases, injuries may be permanent.
7. Sprained wrists or ankles: Wrist and ankles sprains are common injuries when ligaments are stretched beyond their limits. Sprains are graded depending on the degree of the injury:
   • Grade 1 sprain – mild (ligament is stretched but not torn)
   • Grade 2 sprain – moderate (ligament is partially torn)
   • Grade 3 sprain – severe (ligament is completely torn)
8. Strained muscles: A strain is similar to a sprain, but involves a muscle or tendon instead of a ligament. In a fall, a muscle may be overstretched and either partially or completely torn. Hamstring and lower back strains are the most common types of muscle strains. Strain injuries may require pain management and lengthy rehabilitation.
9. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A blow to the head during a fall can cause a serious TBI. Physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments can last for months or be permanent.