Nobody likes to have an accident, but they’ll always happen. One of the most common accidents you’ll likely experience is a slip-and-fall. There are a variety of situations where you might find yourself slipping and crashing to the ground. Learning a bit more about how and why slips happen can help you prevent accidents in the future.
Why Does It Happen?
Your surroundings can oftentimes be at fault. Many surfaces are wet and poorly kept or slanted. This is unavoidable at times due to factors such as bad weather and dangerous workplaces. If you think the cause of your accident could be due to negligent conditions, you should contact a slip-and-fall attorney. If you are unsure, they can let you know if you have a case.
You can’t help but get distracted sometimes when you’re out and about. Trying to focus on too many things at once is a typical culprit leading to falls. Some people have disorders with their inner ear, which is a part of the body responsible for maintaining balance. When it’s not functioning properly, you can experience symptoms of conditions like vertigo. You can also cause trouble for yourself by wearing certain footwear—think high heels or sandals.
What Kinds of Injuries Could You Be Looking At?
The severity of an injury from slipping and falling can differ. More commonly, you’ll find yourself with a small bruise or scrape. On the other hand, there’s the risk of a traumatizing or even life-changing injury. You’re more at risk for the latter if you’re elderly, who are sent to the hospital more than 800,000 times every year due to a fall. This kind of accident, coupled with the rehabilitation which might be necessary afterwards, can permanently impact you.
A fall can lead to broken bones. If the spinal cord or the head are hurt, the damage can be quite serious. Your body’s soft tissue (things like your muscles and tendons) are also at risk. Some rehab facilities specialize in these types of injuries if need be.
Slip-and-Falls Are a Part of Life
At the end of the day, everyone takes a tumble at least once in a while. It can be a little embarrassing, the important thing is to avoid getting hurt. If falling is a recurring problem for you, it’s important to identify the source of the issue. Don’t ignore health concerns in the hope that they’ll go away on your own. If your body is trying to tell you something, it’s probably for a good reason.