The Impact of Slip and Fall Injuries on Your Life – Guest Post

Did you know that falls are the second leading cause of undeliberate injury-related deaths in the United States? Well, that’s incredibly surprising when you consider the sheer number of workplaces and residential properties that lack proper anti-slip measures.

Statistics indicate that in 2022, some 46,653 people died from fall accidents at home and in the workplace. That was more than the total fatalities recorded from motor vehicle accidents and only second to the number that died from unintentional poisoning.

But while death is the worst possible outcome of slip and fall accidents, surviving victims usually have a lot more to worry about. Below are the seven ways slip and fall injuries may impact your life.

1. Acute Pain

Most slip-and-fall victims often sustain minor scrapes, bruises, or sprains. Recovery can range from 24 hours to two weeks, depending on the extent of the injuries.

Although minor fall injuries typically cause short-term body aches, the pain can be unbearable while it lasts. Besides, you could misdiagnose the severity of your condition if the accident results in less-visible soft tissue injuries like ankle sprains and tendon tears.

It’s imperative to contact a lawyer after suffering a slip and fall injury despite the visible evidence. The attorney will conduct an extensive investigation into the circumstances to establish the at-fault party. They’ll then recommend the best course of action, depending on the facts of the case.

2. Chronic Pain

Soft tissue injuries resulting from slip and fall injuries are perfectly treatable. But without prompt intervention, they may degenerate into chronic pain.

Chronic pain can limit your range of motion and predispose you to future fall injuries. It’s only worse if you already have an underlying medical condition that presents pain as a core symptom.

Moreover, ongoing pain can reduce workplace productivity and impede your ability to go about normal routines. This could lead to frustration and isolation, eventually reducing your quality of life.

3. Physical Disability

Disability is perhaps the most visible scar associated with slip and fall injuries.

Not only can sustaining a fractured ankle or broken hip cause you untold pain. It may also lead to a permanent, therapy-defying disability.

Like chronic pain, permanent disability is a long-term struggle. The condition can impact virtually every facet of your life, including workplace productivity and social interactions.

Disability may also diminish your interest in the activities you previously enjoyed, including working out and having sex. This may take a further toll on your social relationships and emotional health.

4. Joint cum Bone Issues

Most disabling injuries typically affect the joints and tendons. Without early diagnosis and prompt treatment, fractured joints and bones may degenerate into more severe chronic problems, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are some of the leading causes of physical disability worldwide. While both conditions are manageable, they can make everyday activities extremely painful and stressful.

Unlike many forms of physical disability, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis can suppress your immune system further. This could open you up to more infections and severely diminish your quality of life.

5. Emotional Impact

Emotional impacts of slip and fall accidents may be convenient to ignore. But they can be just as disastrous as the physical consequences.

Many fall accident victims struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD results from intrusive memories or nightmares associated with the incident. If untreated, it can reduce the quality of sleep and expose the victim to more anxiety disorders.

Fall victims may also grapple with phobias, which present as the intentional avoidance of the places or situations reminding them of the accident. Some people may develop unreasonable anger and hatred towards themselves or the people who caused them harm.

If unmanaged, the emotional impacts of fall accidents can degenerate into full-blown depression.

6. Cognitive Impact

Fall accidents may lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), too. And contrary to popular misconception, TBIs can result from fairly minor accidents.

Despite the severity, brain injuries can trigger a broad spectrum of cognitive issues. Common effects include a slow learning pace, reduced attention span, and impaired memory consolidation.

In many cases, traumatic brain injuries have resulted in chronic mood swings and even depression. Depressed individuals may often toy with suicidal thoughts due to their diminished sense of happiness.

7. Financial and Economic Impact

The fastest way to recover from slip and fall injuries is to seek treatment at a healthcare facility. However, that comes with financial implications.

While you can get a minor scrape patched up with pocket change, the cost of physiotherapy sessions can quickly cost thousands of dollars.

The economic impact of fall accidents is often more devastating, where patients require surgery and ongoing therapy. Even if you recover fully, the medical expenses could plunge you and your family into debt.

Summary

Slip and fall injuries can be a dreadful experience for survivors. While many victims only contend with short-term pain, some may sustain permanent disabilities that significantly reduce their quality of life. Besides, there are emotional, cognitive, and financial ramifications to worry about.

The saving grace is that slip and fall accidents are nearly 100% preventable. And even if you’re a victim, you can always contact a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the aftermath.

The attorney’s expertise will be invaluable in helping establish liability and negotiate a fair settlement. They’ll also represent you in a court of law if the case goes to trial, affording you ample time to recover from the ordeal.