Navigating Head Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

Magnetic resonance scan of the brain.

Slip and fall accidents can result in severe and debilitating injuries, with some of the most severe being traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can have profound implications for the victim's health, mobility, and overall quality of life, often requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Brain injury victims have legal rights

In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident that results in a head or brain injury, it's crucial to understand your legal rights. Property owners have a duty to ensure their premises are safe for visitors, and a failure to meet this duty can render them liable for any injuries that occur as a result.

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in a slip and fall accident, an attorney can evaluate your case, inform you of your rights, and guide you through the legal process to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. For more information, contact Recht Law Office to schedule a free consultation.

Slip, trip, and fall hazards that can cause head injuries

TBI is an umbrella term for a head injury with brain damage. Types of TBIs often sustained in slip and falls include concussions, hematomas, internal bleeding, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), coup-contrecoup injury, penetrating head injuries, skull fractures, and nerve damage.

TBIs are typically caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body or a penetrating head injury that results in disruption of normal brain function. In slip and fall accidents, TBIs may occur when the head or neck strikes an item during the fall or upon landing. More than half of TBI-causing falls are from standing height or lower. Common hazards that increase slip and fall risk include:

Wet or uneven surfaces.
Inadequate lighting.
Obstacles in pathways.
Loose rugs.
Icy or snowy sidewalks.
Oil or grease spills.
Loose railings or otherwise defective stairways.
Piled debris/rubbish.

TBI symptoms after a trip and fall

People may heal from minor concussions, but major TBIs, like those sustained in slip and falls, tend to do irreversible damage. Long-term health effects of fall-related brain injuries vary but may include cognitive impairments, emotional disturbances, physical disabilities, increased risk of Alzheimer's, and higher susceptibility to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

Early medical intervention can help stop, slow, or reduce damage. Therefore, understanding the signs and symptoms of this type of injury is critical. Symptoms of a serious head or brain injury encompass a range of effects, including:

Physical Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or noise.
Cognitive Symptoms: Confusion, difficulty concentrating or remembering, slurred speech, and slowed thinking processes.
Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression.

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or another person who has fallen, seek urgent medical attention.

Legal options for brain injury victims

Brain injury victims face not just medical challenges but also potential legal hurdles when seeking compensation for their injuries. This is especially true in claims involving slip and falls, where identifying who can be held liable is crucial in pursuing a claim.

In many cases, the owner of the property where the accident occurred can be held liable, especially if negligence in maintaining a safe environment contributed to the fall. This applies to both public and private properties, including stores, office buildings, and residential areas. If the slip and fall occurred in a commercial setting, such as a supermarket or restaurant, the business operator might be liable. This is particularly the case if the injury was caused by conditions like wet floors without proper signage, poorly lit areas, or unsecured carpets and rugs.

For slip and fall accidents that happen on public sidewalks, parks, or other government-owned properties, the responsible municipal or state entity may be liable. However, claims against government bodies often have specific filing requirements and shorter deadlines. If the negligence of a third-party contractor (such as a cleaning service or maintenance company) contributed to the hazardous condition that caused the fall, they might also share in the liability.

Our attorneys have been helping families since 1952

You may be unable to work because of a head or brain injury or be permanently disabled following a slip and fall accident. Your life will have to change - and you deserve to be compensated for those changes. If you've been hurt in a slip and fall, don't hesitate to take action to protect your legal rights. Contact us today. Our personal injury lawyers can build a strong case on your behalf, deal with insurance companies, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve. Our office is located in Weirton, WV, and we proudly serve clients in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.