The Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries
A large portion of the danger of falls is their unpredictability. When a person falls, an endless number of variables come into effect between the time they loose their footing and the time they hit the ground. There are questions of physics, genetics, and pure dumb luck. Humans and their circumstances are functionally infinite in their uniqueness. No two people will fall in the same way and so no two people will be affected in the same way. But when we move from the realms of science and philosophy and into the cold, hard world of data, we can extrapolate a few broad trends. Today’s Malloy Law Offices blog post will explore the most common slip and fall injuries.
Categories of Common Slip and Fall Injuries
The most common slip and fall injuries can be sorted into a few major categories. These include:
- Fractures/Broken Bones
- Lower Back Injuries
- Head Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
We will cover each of these major categories in turn, with consideration towards their own specific circumstances. As a general piece of advice, any person who has been the victim of a slip and fall accident would be well-advised to seek medical attention immediately. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a prompt diagnosis will be invaluable if an injured person chooses to seek compensation.
Fractures/Broken Bones
Fractures, or broken bones, are some of the most common injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents. These occur when the force of the fall exceeds the bone’s ability to absorb impact, often affecting the wrists, hips, ankles, or arms. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight or move the affected limb. For older adults, especially those with osteoporosis, even a relatively minor fall can result in a serious fracture—hip fractures in particular can lead to long-term immobility or require surgical intervention. Left untreated, fractures can heal improperly, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
Lower Back Injuries
A sudden fall can jolt the lower back, causing muscle strains, herniated discs, or lumbar spine misalignments. Victims may experience dull, aching pain, sharp shooting sensations down the legs (sciatica), stiffness, or difficulty standing or walking. While some lower back injuries resolve with rest and physical therapy, others can linger, leading to chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and nerve damage. Recurrent flare-ups are common if the underlying condition isn’t properly diagnosed and treated early.
Head Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. In slip and fall accidents, this can result from the head striking the floor or another hard surface. TBIs range in severity—from mild concussions with temporary confusion or dizziness, to severe brain damage causing memory loss, impaired cognition, or even coma. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, mood changes, or loss of consciousness. The long-term effects of a TBI can include chronic migraines, sleep disorders, personality changes, and in serious cases, permanent cognitive or motor impairment.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Falls can cause direct trauma to the spinal cord, especially in the cervical (neck) or thoracic (mid-back) regions. These injuries can lead to partial or complete loss of sensation and motor control below the point of impact. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, loss of bowel or bladder control, and in severe cases, paralysis. Even less severe spinal cord trauma can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain, muscle weakness, and decreased mobility, often requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons and are often overlooked initially due to a lack of visible trauma. Common examples include sprains, strains, and contusions. Symptoms may include swelling, tenderness, bruising, stiffness, or localized pain that worsens with movement. While many soft tissue injuries heal with time, more serious cases can lead to joint instability, reduced flexibility, or chronic inflammation (such as tendonitis), impacting a victim’s ability to return to work or perform daily tasks.
How Malloy Law Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, Malloy Law can help. Our expertise in premises liability laws can be your secret weapon in winning compensation for your slip and fall injuries. Our team is standing by to evaluate your case free of charge. Contact Malloy Law today and let’s win your case.
