Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents can occur in many different settings and cause a wide range of injuries. As a slip and fall lawyer can confirm, head injuries are one of the most common injuries people sustain in slip and fall accidents. Head injuries can be very serious and negatively impact a person’s life in a lot of different ways.
Here are the most common head injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents.
Hematoma
A hematoma occurs when blood pools in the brain. The injury can cause severe pressure in the skull, which can cause permanent brain damage. Common symptoms of a hematoma include headache, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Surgery may be required to remove a hematoma. If left untreated, hematomas can cause stroke and other serious complications.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury can develop if your brain bounces off the surface of your skull. Mild traumatic brain injuries may heal with proper rest and medication while severe traumatic brain injuries can cause permanent physical, behavioral and cognitive changes.
Skull Fractures
The skull is a strong structure, but it can fracture in certain situations. As lawyers from MartinWren, P.C. can attest, brain damage is common with skull fractures. Those who sustain skull fractures in slip and fall accidents may have a bump on their head and experience a wide range of symptoms, such as headache, confusion, slurred speech, nausea and bleeding from the head wound, nose and ears.
Lacerations
Lacerations are cuts to the head and frequently occur during slip and fall accidents. Excessive bleeding is a common concern with these injuries. It is important to apply direct pressure to the head and then seek immediate emergency medical care. These injuries are first cleaned thoroughly and then treated with stitches.
Common Symptoms of Head Injuries
After suffering a slip and fall accident, it is important to pay attention to how you feel. Head injury symptoms can appear right away or develop more gradually. Here are common symptoms of head injuries that you should be aware of.
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Confusion
- Headache
- Loss of balance
- Slurred speech
- Temporary ringing in the ears
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
Even if you do not experience symptoms right after a slip and fall accident, you should still seek immediate medical attention.
Preventing Head Injuries
Head injuries can be very serious, so it is best to avoid them in the first place. Whether you are walking down the sidewalk or inside a grocery store, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings. If you notice a dangerous condition, like a liquid spill on the floor, you should let the property owner/manager know immediately. It’s also a good idea to wear slip-resistant shoes.
If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident, you should schedule a consultation with a slip and fall lawyer to talk about your case.