When most of us think about slipping and falling, we imagine that our injuries could consist of sprains, strains, and broken bones. While all of these ailments are frustrating and temporarily life-altering, what many don’t realize is that slip and fall injuries have the potential to result in very serious injuries.
Sometimes when someone slips and falls, they may actually incur a traumatic brain injury (TBI). When we make violently sharp or sudden movements, our heads come into contact with a hard surface or object, or something penetrates the skull, it can cause the brain to press against the skull.
While some TBIs are mild, others may be much more serious and can even result in death. In cases of a severe TBI, it is imperative to seek medical treatment right away. But how can you tell if you’re experiencing mild or severe TBI symptoms?
Symptoms of Mild TBI
Symptoms of a mild brain injury, like a concussion, can include:
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sensory issues (such as ringing in the ears)
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
Symptoms of Moderate or Severe TBI
In addition to the symptoms of a mild TBI, more serious TBIs can manifest in the following ways:
- Headaches that don’t go away or worsen over time
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Combativeness or other unusual behavior
- Numbness in fingers or toes
- Slurred speech
- Inability to wake up
It’s always best to see a doctor right away after any accident, but especially so if you experience more severe or worsening symptoms, as they could be indicative of a life-threatening injury. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better.
The good news is that if you experience a slip and fall injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation. Business owners and property managers have a duty and obligation to anyone “invited” on their property to keep the premises safe and to fix any hazards as soon as possible when brought to their attention.
For example, if someone drops a glass bottle of water in the supermarket and alerts management, but two hours later someone slips and falls on the water that has not been cleaned, the supermarket would be liable for the individual’s injuries.
It’s important to note that if you do not have permission to be on another’s property, and you are injured in a Tucson slip and fall accident, the property owner or manager does not owe you a duty to be free of harm.
Essentially, when it comes to property that you are invited on (public property or private property of someone who invites you over), if a property owner or manager knew or should have known of a hazard on the property but failed to remedy it, then they may be found to be negligent, and therefore may be held responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
Compensation for Injuries
Such compensation may include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
The award that you are entitled to depends upon how severe your injuries are, whether you followed your treating physician’s orders, and the negligent party’s insurance.
Consulting with a Qualified AZ Slip & Fall Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, a qualified Personal Injury attorney can help. At Zanes Law we will help you fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, call us at 833-214-0917.
