Slip and Falls Are Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
May 15, 2023
We've all had our fair share of tumbles and stumbles. A loose tile on the floor, an ice patch on the pavement, or the occasional banana peel can send us to the ground in seconds. In some cases, it's just a matter of getting up and walking away unscathed. However, slip-and-fall accidents can often lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. About 1 million visits to the ER each year are attributed to slip and falls.
In this post, we'll walk you through exactly what constitutes a slip and fall injury and resulting traumatic brain injury—and what to do if this happens to you.
Common Causes of a Slip and Fall
There are a few variables that increase the likelihood of these sorts of accidents. One is the weather. Ice and rain can both make surfaces more treacherous. Not only that, but outdoor surfaces like concrete, gravel, or brick can be challenging to navigate, and indoor floors made of marble or polished stone can be prone to slipperiness when wet.
Negligence is often a significant factor in slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe for the general public and visitors. A failure to keep the property safe for visitors can lead to hazardous conditions, inadequate lighting, and damaged or wet surfaces.
Poor lighting conditions, especially in dark or outdoor areas, can also leave people at greater risk for slips and falls. Poor lighting around staircases and entranceways can make it hard to see steps, which poses a high risk of a dangerous tumble down the stairs.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that can affect a person's daily life and cause long-term damage. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for TBIs is essential for anyone who has suffered a head injury and wants to get the help they need.
But what exactly is it? Let's break it down.
How Does a TBI Happen?
Traumatic brain injuries can occur when there is a sudden and severe impact to the head, which can lead to brain damage. Some common causes of TBIs include auto accidents, assaults, slips and falls, and sports injuries.
Depending on the severity of the injury, a TBI can range from a mild concussion to a severe brain injury. TBIs can also occur even if there is no direct impact to the head, such as when the brain is shaken inside the skull during a car accident or a tackle in football.
If you have suffered a head injury, you may experience a variety of different symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, loss of consciousness, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
These symptoms may not appear immediately following the injury and can take several weeks or even months to develop.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing a TBI often involves a combination of physical examinations, neurological tests, and imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan. Treatment for TBIs can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild TBIs may require rest and monitoring for several weeks, while more severe injuries may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
If you have been in an accident and have symptoms of a TBI, it's essential to seek medical attention right away.
Proper diagnosis is critical for your long-term health and well-being, and it is also crucial for legal reasons. If you are seeking compensation after an accident, having a proper diagnosis of your injury can increase the chances of a successful case.
Filing a Claim
If you're thinking about filing a claim for a slip and fall with a personal injury attorney in Southborough, Webster, or Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, give the Law Office of James A. Maniatis a call. We'll walk you through the entire process, but here's a quick overview of what to expect.
When filing a claim, it's essential to take premises liability laws into account. Property owners are held responsible for injuries that occur on their premises due to their negligence.
Legal Challenges of a TBI
In slip-and-fall accidents that result in TBIs, it's not always easy to establish liability. Unlike other types of injuries, TBIs cannot always be seen on diagnostic testing. That can make it more challenging to prove to insurance adjusters during negotiations.
TBIs can also have long-term consequences that are difficult to document and prove. Beyond the initial impact of the accident, TBIs can lead to problems with memory, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. It can be challenging to prove how much of this damage was caused by the accident. That's why it's essential to hire legal experts that specialize in dealing with TBIs.
Get the Experts on Your Side
When it comes to dealing with a TBI, you need to have the right medical professionals on your team to document the extent of the injury. In addition to a neurologist, you should enlist the help of a neuropsychologist and cognitive rehabilitation expert.
These experts can help establish the extent of the damage and the long-term effects on the individual's ability to work, care for themselves, and engage in activities they enjoy.
Personal & Professional Legal Counsel
If you've recently suffered a slip-and-fall accident and are concerned about its long-lasting implications, you may want to give a premises liability attorney a call. At the Law Office of James A. Maniatis, we're experienced in working with people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of a slip and fall.
This is a catastrophic injury, and we know how stressful it can be. If you live in Southborough, Webster, or Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, or even throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we are the law firm you need to call.
Contact us today and enjoy better peace of mind tomorrow.