Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents are common and can result in serious, long-term health impacts. Even minor injuries can lead to chronic issues down the road, which is why it’s important to know how to respond to these incidents medically and legally.
What slip and fall injuries can do to your body
Slips and falls can result in many different types of injuries, including:
- Fractures: In older adults especially, fractures can lead to prolonged immobility and complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Spinal cord injuries can cause chronic back pain, nerve damage, or even paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs are among the most concerning injuries, as their symptoms can be subtle yet severe. Victims often experience headaches, cognitive impairment, mood swings, and memory loss. The recovery process for TBIs can be lengthy and uncertain.
- Psychological Disturbance: Slip and fall accidents can take a serious toll on one’s mental health. Victims may suffer from PTSD, especially if the fall caused a dramatic change in lifestyle.
Needless to say, these injuries demand close attention. Do not overlook them as simple accidents, for they can have grave consequences, even if not immediately apparent.
Legal considerations in Virginia
In Virginia, these types of accidents fall under premises liability law. Property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain their premises to prevent slips and falls. Failure to do so can result in a personal injury lawsuit.
Virginia law requires the injured party to prove that the property owner was negligent and that this negligence caused the injury. They must demonstrate that the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition(s) and did not address it.
Understanding these laws can help injured parties secure a favorable outcome in court and receive the compensation necessary to rebuild their lives.
