Gainesville personal injury lawyer

Author: Atlanta Personal Injury Criminal Defense

Understanding the Relationship Between Slip and Fall Accidents and TBIs

A slip-and-fall accident is caused by a person’s or entity’s negligence in most situations. It may be that a public sidewalk was not cleared or ice or that the wet-floor sign was not put up in a grocery store. Usually, a slip and fall accident is not the victim’s fault.

This means that if you experience an injury due to the slip-and-fall accident, it is the negligent party’s fault. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s smart to hire an Atlanta personal injury attorney for help. It’s also important to learn more about how a slip and fall may impact your brain.

Slip and Falls and the Effect on Your Brain

Most people would say that a slip and fall is a minor accident. After all, people fall all the time. However, tripping and slipping are unique types of falls, and knowing the difference is essential. If you trip, it means you are falling forward. You can stop the fall using your hands, and the brunt of the impact is in your hands and arms rather than a more vulnerable portion of your body. You may also be able to catch yourself using a piece of furniture, rail, or something else nearby. Sometimes, this will slow or stop your fall and prevent an injury.

However, when you slip, you may fall backward. If you fall back, there’s not much you can do to slow yourself down or to keep yourself from hitting the floor or ground. Because of this, you will likely hit the floor full force. If the surface is hard, such as linoleum, concrete, or tile, there’s a high likelihood that you will suffer serious injuries to the parts of your body that hit the ground.

The part of your body that is in the most danger of an injury is the back of your head. Even though the skull protects your brain, it doesn’t mean it can’t be damaged. If there’s enough force exerted on your head, then your brain may experience a bruise or get torn. This is what causes TBIs – traumatic brain injuries.

Because the back of your head will likely come in contact with the floor during a slip-and-fall accident, you are also likely to experience brain injuries. If you don’t seek treatment immediately, the injury may even be fatal.

Serious Brain Injuries

Something to understand is that there isn’t any type of minor brain injury. Even a concussion, which most people believe is easy to recover from, can cause permanent damage if it is not treated quickly and properly. The issue with a slip and fall is that people think of falling as a minor incident. Because of this, they may ignore the symptoms that indicate they have experienced a brain injury. Because of this, it is imperative that you go to the doctor or have a medical evaluation.

You should also watch for signs of a brain injury, such as:

  • Tinnitus

  • Severe headaches

  • Slurred speech

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Numbness in your fingers and toes

  • Blurred vision

  • Confusion

In more severe cases, you may even pass out or have a seizure. Noticing these symptoms and taking action may help to save your life.

Hire an Attorney After a Slip and Fall and Potential Brain Injury

When it comes to a slip and fall accident and potential TBI, one of the best things you can do is to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer for help. They can review the facts of your case and help you recover compensation from the at-fault party. Being informed will help you get the treatment needed and the compensation you deserve.

https://hineslaw.org/gainesville/personal-injury-lawyer/