Inadequate property maintenance can expose visitors to many different risks. Damaged or worn flooring, saturated rugs and even spilled liquids can all potentially cause slip-and-fall incidents.
People who suddenly lose their traction due to preventable environmental hazards can sustain significant injuries when they fall. Many times, slip-and-falls only cause bruises or lacerations if people strike something when they fall. However, same-level falls can cause serious injuries. People can break bones. Thankfully, most fractures respond well to medical treatment. It was also possible for people to sustain permanent injuries in a slip-and-fall scenario.
Falling can cause a brain injury
During a same-level fall, people often try to catch themselves. Not everyone reacts quickly enough or has the physical strength to stop a fall in progress. People could hit their heads on the floor or on their shopping carts. The blunt-force trauma that they experience can cause swelling or bleeding inside the skull.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause permanent changes to the brain that produce a variety of different symptoms. TBIs can affect people’s cognitive capabilities and change their personalities. TBI symptoms can even affect motor function capabilities.
Unlike many other types of injuries, TBIs are not curable injuries. They can cause permanent changes to the brain that result in lasting symptoms. Doctors can help people regain lost function through rehabilitative support and can prevent the injury from worsening, but they cannot reverse the damage.
When a slip-and-fall incident leads to permanent injuries, people may need help seeking compensation through a premises liability lawsuit, and that’s okay. Holding a property owner or business accountable can limit the losses caused by their negligent care of their property.
