### Slip and Fall Accidents: What You Need to Know
A slip and fall accident may seem like a minor issue. Most of us have experienced one without any lasting impact. However, these accidents can sometimes lead to more serious injuries than just a sore bottom.
#### Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are often caused by wet, slippery floors. This can happen anywhere – at a restaurant, mall, hospital, on sidewalks, or stairs. Depending on the type of shoes you’re wearing, you could easily lose your footing and take a spill.
#### Possible Effects of a Slip and Fall
While many people just end up with a bruised ego, others may experience significant pain and discomfort. This can make sitting or walking difficult for days, leading to missed work and lost income.
More serious effects can occur, too. For instance, if you have weak bones and you land on your bottom, you could fracture your tailbone. This type of injury causes extreme pain in the lower spine area, making it hard to sit or walk and can even lead to lower back pain.
If you fall and land on your buttocks and an outstretched hand, you could end up with a stress fracture in your arm. Severe fractures can affect nerves and blood vessels, making the injury even worse.
Head and neck injuries are also common in slip and fall accidents. A bad fall can cause your head to hit a hard surface or your neck to take a nasty impact. These injuries can lead to concussions, brain injury, and spinal cord injury, which are far from minor.
Even your back muscles, ligaments, and tendons can get hurt in a fall. Muscle strains, ligament sprains, or even vertebra fractures can occur, potentially causing spinal cord injuries, slipped disks, or nerve impingement.
#### What to Do If You’re Injured
If you end up with more than just a bruised ego and a sore bottom, you should head to the hospital right away. You’ll need x-rays to check for fractures and other injuries, along with medication to manage pain and discomfort. If you have any large cuts or wounds, they’ll need to be treated to prevent infection.
If the accident happened somewhere other than your own property, you have the right to seek compensation from the property owner. In this case, getting a lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim against the owner.
In short, even a simple slip and fall can lead to serious injuries. It’s important to be aware of the risks and take action if you’re hurt.