Common Slip and Fall Injuries

 Posted on November 22, 2023 in Slip & Fall

A slip and fall can happen nearly anywhere. A slip and fall can cause more than physical injuries and, in many cases, may affect a victim’s mental and emotional well-being.

Even though you may feel like it is your own fault for falling, many times, the owner’s negligence may contribute to your accident. If you have suffered injuries from a slip and fall, you need to speak with a Chicago slip and fall injury attorney today.

Slip and Fall Injury Statistics

Each year, more than one million people are treated in a hospital due to a slip and fall. Statistics on slip and falls provide the following information:

• One out of three people over the age of 65 experience a fall each year
• 1.8 million people over the age of 65 were treated in an emergency room for a fall
• Fractures are the most serious consequences of falls, which occur in 5% of people
• Falls are the sixth leading cause of death among people 70 years of age and older
• 22% of slip and fall incidents resulted in victims missing more than one month of work
• Falls are the second-leading cause of fatal injuries in people aged 65-84 and the leading cause of fatal injuries for people 85 years of age and older 
• 60% of slip and fall fatalities involved a person over the age of 75

What is Illinois Law on Premises Liability?

The Illinois Premises Liability Act protects victims who are injured on another’s property. Business owners have a responsibility to patrons to keep sidewalks cleared of ice, snow, and sleet. 

Private property owners also have a duty to anyone who enters their property to make sure the premises are safe. This includes anybody who has permission or is invited onto the property, but it does not apply to trespassers.

Certain medical conditions can make you more likely to fall. Even so, property owners must be financially responsible for any injuries resulting from slip and falls. A Cook County slip and fall injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case to determine if you are entitled to recover compensation for your losses.

Slip and Fall Injuries

A slip and fall can cause injuries that may range from minor to severe. Common injuries following a slip and fall may be:

Broken Bones

Falls can cause fractures, including wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures. When somebody has a broken bone, he or she may experience pain or swelling at the fracture location. Shoulder, forearm, and hip fractures are especially common after falls. While some fractures may heal on their own, others may require medical attention. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Depending on the way you fall (if you fall backward, for instance), you may sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI can range from mild to severe. Severe TBIs can result in prolonged periods of unconsciousness, vision loss, inability to speak, seizures, and even death.

Emotional Trauma

Not all injuries are physical, and falling may cause a person to become afraid of falling. This can result in a person being less physically active, inhibiting their overall health. 

Injured in a Slip and Fall? Contact a Chicago, IL, Slip and Fall Injury Attorney Right Away

Property owners have a responsibility to keep the premises safe for those who will be using it. If you have been injured in a slip and fall, consult with a Cook County, IL, slip and fall injury attorney at your earliest convenience. Contact Adler Law Offices, LTD online or by calling 312-236-2700 to schedule your free consultation.