Many people who slip and fall down suffer only minor scrapes or bruises. However, in some cases, a slip and fall accident can cause significantly more serious injuries. In fact, statistics show1 that about 8.9 million Americans seek medical attention for injuries in slips, trips, and falls each and every year. Once of the serious injuries that commonly occurs due to a slip and fall accidents is a traumatic brain injury (TBI).2
What is a TBI?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain hits against the skull, which causes damage to the brain tissue. Most often, TBIs happen because a victim hit their head or suffered another type of direct head trauma. In slip and fall accidents, many victims cannot control the way that they fall or land, and there is a good chance that they may head their head on the floor or on a nearby object. For this reason, TBI is a common result of this type of accident.
Effects of a traumatic brain injury
TBI can range from minor concussions to severe and permanent damage. The signs and symptoms of a TBI will vary widely from victim to victim depending on the extent and location of the brain damage. However, some of the common effects of a TBI are as follows:
- Headaches
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Confusion and disorientation
- Lack of physical coordination or balance
- Slurring of the speech
- Memory problems
- Difficulty understanding communications
- Trouble following instructions or completing basic tasks
- Sleep irregularities
- Personality changes such as moodiness or agitation
- Emotional inconsistencies
- Unconsciousness or coma
Whether minor or severe, all of these effects can cause significant challenges in a brain injury victim’s life.
If you slipped and fell and hit your head on anything, you should always seek medical attention immediately. Sometimes, the signs of a TBI are not immediate, though this does not mean that you do not require proper treatment. A medical professional can diagnose a brain injury through tests and can design a treatment plan to help mitigate symptoms, stabilize your injury, and avoid any serious complications in the future. For victims with serious TBI, the treatment plan may be much more extensive and may include accommodations at work or school, learning coping mechanisms, having professional assistance for daily tasks, and more.
Contact a qualified Michigan slip and fall attorney for a free consultation
Slip and fall cases—especially those involving TBI and other serious injuries—can be complicated, so you always want to seek assistance from a lawyer who understands this particular type of injury case. At The Stroble Law Firm, P.C. in Michigan, our team of slip and fall lawyers understand the legal issues that may arise in a slip and fall case and will always strive to ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation for your TBI or other fall-related injuries. If you would like to discuss your situation for free, please call our office today at 888-454-0801.
References:
1http://www.nsc.org/NSCDocuments_Advocacy/Fact%20Sheets/Slips-Trips-and-Falls.pdf
2http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm