Slip and Fall Injuries: From A to Z

Picture this: You're strolling through a grocery store when—suddenly—your foot hits a slick patch of floor. Before you know it, you're on the ground, bewildered and in pain. 

Days later, you feel a soreness that continues to worsen and develop into excruciating pain. You may wonder, “How long does a sore back last?” or “Should I worry about back pain?”

The truth is, while slip and fall accidents may be common, they can be deadly serious. 

If you slip and fall, you should seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries may not be apparent right away but can worsen over time if left untreated. And if your accident was due to someone else’s negligence (like not cleaning up a spill or not removing ice from stairs), you should contact Morgan & Morgan, America’s largest personal injury law firm.

Slip and fall accidents happen when you least expect them, and their consequences can range from mildly inconvenient to life-altering.

What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can lead to a surprising range of injuries, depending on how and where you fall. These injuries often require extensive medical care and can disrupt your daily life for weeks, months, or even permanently.

Back Injury

Back injuries are among the most common consequences of a slip and fall accident. Imagine falling backward onto a hard surface; the impact can cause muscle strains, herniated discs, or spinal misalignments. Even a slight back injury can limit your mobility, making it challenging to work or enjoy everyday activities. Chronic back pain can persist for years, requiring ongoing treatment like physical therapy or surgery.

Brachial Plexus Injury

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls the movement and sensation of your arm, hand, and shoulder. A slip and fall that jars your arm or shoulder can damage these nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or even loss of function. For example, someone slipping on an icy sidewalk might instinctively stretch out their arm to break their fall, unintentionally causing this injury.

Broken or Fractured Bone

Fractures are a hallmark of slip and fall accidents, with broken wrists, ankles, and hips being the most common. Picture a shopper tripping on uneven flooring and landing on their hand; the resulting fracture could require months of recovery, possibly including surgery and physical therapy. In older adults, a hip fracture from a fall can significantly reduce quality of life.

Collarbone Injury

Your collarbone (clavicle) is especially vulnerable in falls. Landing on your side or stretching out an arm to break a fall can result in a painful fracture. Recovery often involves immobilization with a sling, followed by physical therapy to restore movement.

Hip Injury

For older adults, hip injuries are particularly severe. A fall can cause a hip fracture, which often requires surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. In some cases, complications from surgery or prolonged immobility can lead to further health issues.

Knee Injury

Imagine slipping on a wet floor and twisting awkwardly as you fall; this can result in a torn ACL, meniscus injury, or even a fractured kneecap. Knee injuries not only cause pain but also make basic movements like walking or climbing stairs nearly impossible without treatment.

Common signs that suggest your knee injury could be serious include:

• Rapid and significant onset swelling
• Stiffness
• Warmth to the touch accompanied by redness
• Instability and weakness
• Popping or crunching sounds
• Inability to fully straighten and flex the knee
• Inability to put weight on your knee
• You are able to observe a deformity in your leg or knee
• You have severe pain

Neck Injury

A sudden jolt to the neck during a fall can lead to whiplash, pinched nerves, or more severe damage to the cervical spine. Neck injuries might initially seem minor but can cause long-term discomfort if left untreated.

While everyone’s situation is different, there are a few common symptoms of neck injuries:

• Pain when rotating your head
• Numbness or tingling
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Upper back pain
• Nausea or vomiting

Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff—a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder—can tear when you fall on an outstretched arm. This painful injury often requires physical therapy or surgery to regain full arm mobility.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down each leg, becomes pinched or irritated. A fall can aggravate or cause sciatica, leading to sharp, shooting pain that affects mobility and quality of life.

Shoulder Dislocation

Landing directly on your shoulder during a fall can dislocate it, causing intense pain and making it difficult to move your arm. Resetting the shoulder is just the first step; physical therapy is often needed for full recovery.

Spinal Cord Damage

Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of a slip and fall. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally altering a person’s life and requiring extensive medical and personal care.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when a fall causes your head to strike a hard surface. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe cognitive impairments. TBIs often require immediate medical attention, followed by long-term care.

Symptoms of a Slip and Fall Injury

After a fall, symptoms might not appear right away, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Pain or discomfort, swelling, or bruising in any part of the body might signal underlying issues. Stiffness, limited mobility, or tingling sensations in the arms, legs, or back can indicate nerve damage. Persistent headaches, dizziness, or changes in balance, vision, or cognitive abilities could point to more serious conditions like a traumatic brain injury. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical care promptly for a thorough evaluation.

What to Do When You Slip and Fall

Slipping and falling or tripping and falling on someone else's property can feel embarrassing, but this does not mean that it was your fault, that you were a klutz, or that you were careless. 

In fact, conditions at the scene of the accident are often to blame. You may discover that there was liquid on the floor, for example, or torn carpeting that caused you to trip and fall. These factors can lead to many common injuries from a trip and fall accident and may become important in your trip and fall injury claim. 

If you realize the source of the problem while still at the scene of your accident, try to gather evidence that shows the unsafe conditions on the premises, such as photos or other witnesses’ contact information. If you were unable to gather such evidence, you can rely on your premises liability attorney to collect this information for you and to present it in a legal claim. 

The most important thing to do after you have been hurt, however, is to get medical attention. 

The property owner, manager, or other employees at the property on which you were hurt may try to get you to give verbal statements or to sign paperwork. This can be especially nerve-wracking for you, as you do not always know exactly what happened and may unexpectedly make a statement that could harm the future of your claim. Furthermore, you are not in the right state of mind to be reading and signing paperwork at this time when you're not yet sure where your injuries are. 

This is why it is strongly recommended that you get medical attention and then later consult with a premises liability attorney about the common injuries from a trip and fall accident. This gives you a chance to clearly understand what it is that you are looking at and to refuse to sign any paperwork that may cause you to give up your rights or otherwise and unnecessarily expose you. 

Ask that an official report be made, sticking to the simple fact you know, and request a copy for yourself. Avoid admitting fault until you can speak with a lawyer.

If you're struggling with the aftermath of a trip and fall accident, you are not the only one. Many people who are hurt in trip and fall accidents get a diagnosis and realize that they may have one or more injuries that can impact them for days, weeks, months, or even longer. 

You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistake. Focus on your recovery and following your healthcare provider’s orders, and leave the rest up to Morgan & Morgan.

Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Injury?

Determining who is liable for a slip and fall depends on several factors, primarily the circumstances of the incident and the property owner's responsibility to maintain a safe environment. 

The Property Owner's Duty of Care

Property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. The extent of this duty varies depending on the type of visitor:

• Invitees: People invited onto the property for business purposes (customers in a store). Property owners owe them the highest duty of care.
• Licensees: People allowed onto the property for non-business purposes (social guests). Owners must fix known hazards or warn licensees about them.
• Trespassers: People entering the property without permission. Owners typically owe them the least duty of care, except in certain cases (if children are involved).

Hazard Awareness and Negligence

Liability often hinges on whether the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it in a reasonable time. Questions to ask include:

• Was the hazard caused by the owner or employees (a spilled drink in a store)?
• Was the owner aware of the hazard but failed to fix it or provide adequate warning (no “wet floor” sign)?
• Was the hazard present for a long enough period that the owner should have reasonably discovered and remedied it?

Comparative Negligence

In some states, the injured person may share responsibility for the slip and fall. For example:

• Were they paying attention to where they were walking?
• Were they engaging in risky behavior, such as running or texting while walking?

Many states follow comparative negligence laws, meaning the injured party's compensation may be reduced if they are found partially at fault.

Tenant and Landlord Liability

If the slip and fall occurs on rental property, liability may depend on the lease agreement:

• Tenant's Responsibility: Tenants are generally responsible for maintaining the rented space.
• Landlord's Responsibility: Landlords may be liable for common areas (hallways, staircases) or hazards they were notified about but failed to address.

Public Spaces and Government Liability

If a slip and fall occurs in a public space (on a sidewalk or in a government building), the liability may rest with a municipality or public agency. Filing claims against a government entity often involves stricter deadlines and procedures.

Employer Liability (Workers’ Compensation)

For slip and falls occurring at work, the employer is typically liable under workers' compensation laws, regardless of fault. These laws provide benefits for medical expenses and lost wages but may limit the ability to sue the employer directly.

What Dangerous Property Conditions Might Lead to a Fall?

Property owners and managers have a responsibility to maintain safe premises, but when this duty is neglected, hazardous conditions can arise. These hazards increase the likelihood of slip and fall accidents, which can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

Loose or Missing Railings

Stairways, balconies, and walkways with loose or missing railings pose significant dangers. Railings provide essential support and stability, especially in areas with changes in elevation. Without them, individuals can lose their balance and fall, resulting in fractures, head injuries, or worse.

Unattended Debris or Spilled Liquids

Items left in walkways or liquids spilled on floors create immediate tripping and slipping hazards. Debris such as boxes, tools, or trash can obstruct pathways, while liquids like water, oil, or cleaning agents reduce friction, increasing the risk of a slip.

Recently Mopped Floors Without "Wet Floor" Signs

Freshly cleaned floors are particularly slippery. Without visible warnings, visitors may not realize the danger and could easily lose footing. Businesses and property owners are required to place “wet floor” signs to alert people to these temporary hazards.

Uneven Floorboards or Broken Tiles

Floors with uneven boards, cracks, or broken tiles create a tripping hazard that can lead to severe falls. These issues are particularly dangerous in high-traffic areas where they might not be noticed immediately by visitors.

Misplaced Cables or Electrical Cords

Cords running across walkways can be easy to trip over, especially in dimly lit or cluttered environments. This hazard is common in workplaces, event spaces, and homes with poorly managed cable setups.

Badly Maintained Stairs

Stairs that are uneven, cracked, or have broken steps are a significant risk. They can cause individuals to misstep, stumble, or fall entirely. Poor lighting on staircases can compound these risks.

Nails Sticking Out from Staircases, Floors, or Porches

Exposed nails or screws not only pose a tripping hazard but can also cause injuries like puncture wounds. These types of hazards often occur in poorly maintained or unfinished properties.

Slick Surfaces from Weather

Rain, snow, or ice can create dangerously slippery surfaces on walkways, driveways, and entryways. Property owners are typically responsible for mitigating these hazards by salting or shoveling surfaces and placing non-slip mats near entrances.

Bunched-Up Carpets and Rugs

Rugs or carpets that are not properly secured can bunch up or curl at the edges, creating a tripping hazard. This is especially dangerous for elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges.

Unmarked Excavations

Construction or landscaping work that involves digging can leave open holes or uneven ground. Without proper signage or barriers, these areas become a serious risk for unsuspecting visitors.

Neglecting to Warn Visitors of Foreseeable Hazards

Even when hazards are temporary or unavoidable, property owners must provide clear warnings. For example, a floor under repair or a construction area should have signs or barriers to prevent injuries. Failing to communicate risks effectively can lead to liability if someone is injured.

Additional Dangerous Conditions to Consider

Beyond the commonly listed hazards, there are other conditions that could also lead to accidents, including:

• Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting in hallways, parking lots, or stairwells can make it difficult to see obstacles or uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of falls.
• Cluttered Pathways: Items blocking exits or walkways can force individuals to navigate unsafe paths.
• Elevator and Escalator Issues: Sudden stops, uneven leveling, or mechanical failures in elevators and escalators can cause trips or falls.
• Wet or Muddy Outdoor Surfaces: Pathways near gardens or sprinkler systems can become slippery and hazardous if not properly maintained.
• Improperly Designed Entrances: Steps without non-slip treads, ramps with incorrect inclines, or lack of handrails can all contribute to accidents.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand how overwhelming a slip and fall injury can be. From medical expenses to lost wages and emotional distress, the impact can be significant. That’s why we’re dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. 

As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, we have the resources and experience to take on any case, no matter how complex. Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let us help you get back on your feet.

What damages can I recover in a slip and fall case?

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. These damages are typically divided into two categories: economic damages, which cover tangible financial losses, and non-economic damages, which compensate for the personal and emotional impact of your injury.

Medical Expenses

Medical costs often account for the largest portion of a slip and fall settlement or award. You may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Past medical bills: This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests (like X-rays or MRIs), medications, and physical therapy incurred directly after the accident.
• Current treatment: Ongoing medical care needed to address injuries, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, or specialist visits.
• Future medical costs: If your injury requires long-term care or you develop complications, you can seek damages to cover anticipated medical expenses, such as chronic pain management, mobility aids, or home health services.

Lost Wages

Slip and fall injuries can result in time away from work, leading to lost income. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Missed workdays: Covering the income you couldn’t earn during your recovery period.
• Missed opportunities: If the injury prevented you from pursuing new career opportunities, bonuses, or promotions.

Future Lost Income

In cases where the injury results in a long-term or permanent disability, victims may be unable to return to their previous job or earn the same level of income. Damages can cover:

• Reduced earning capacity: Compensation for the difference between what you were earning before the accident and what you are capable of earning post-injury.
• Long-term disability: Financial support for those who are unable to work again due to severe or permanent injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or other debilitating conditions.

Pain and Suffering

Slip and fall accidents often cause more than just physical harm. Non-economic damages aim to address the emotional and psychological toll of the incident, including:

• Physical pain: Compensation for ongoing or chronic pain resulting from your injury.
• Emotional distress: Covers psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injury limits your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or spending time with loved ones.
• Permanent disfigurement or scarring: Damages for the emotional impact of living with visible scars or other permanent changes to your appearance.

Property Damage

If your personal property was damaged during the slip and fall incident—such as a broken phone, damaged glasses, or torn clothing—you may be able to recover the costs of repair or replacement.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Victims often incur additional expenses related to their injury and recovery, such as:

• Transportation costs to and from medical appointments.
• Home modifications (installing ramps or grab bars) to accommodate a disability.
• Hiring help for household tasks, childcare, or other responsibilities you’re temporarily unable to manage.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, where the property owner’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, you may be awarded punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you for your losses but to punish the negligent party and deter similar behavior in the future.

How can I document my damages?

To maximize the compensation you can recover, it’s essential to document your damages thoroughly. This may include:

• Keeping all medical records, receipts, and bills.
• Tracking time missed from work and lost wages.
• Documenting how the injury has impacted your daily life and emotional well-being.
• Obtaining expert testimony or medical opinions to support claims for future damages.

How can a lawyer help?

Navigating the complexities of a slip and fall case can be challenging, especially when trying to calculate future costs like lost earning potential or ongoing medical expenses. An experienced slip and fall attorney can help:

• Evaluate the full extent of your damages.
• Gather evidence to prove negligence and liability.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve helped countless clients recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages in slip and fall cases. Contact us for a free case evaluation to determine how much your claim might be worth and to begin the process of seeking justice for your injuries.