Fall-related injuries vary depending on the circumstances. The simplest injuries involve cuts, bruises, and abrasions. The more severe injuries are catastrophic. Catastrophic injuries occur most often when a person falls from an elevated area to a lower level. They are also more likely to occur when a person falls on a hard surface, such as concrete. Because of their relative frailty, young children and older adults are more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries when they fall.
These are some injuries Morgantown slip and fall victims might sustain.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center tracks 34,734 SCI cases. Of their subjects, 32.3 percent sustained injuries in falls.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Of the 18,557 patients in the TBIMS National Data and Statistical Center database, 29 percent sustained TBI injuries in falls.
Fractures and dislocations: Fractures often occur during falls on hard surfaces. CDC statistics show that 95 percent of all hip fractures occur due to falls. Frailty contributes to fall-related fractures in young children.
Damaged internal organs: Organ damage sometimes occurs in connection with pelvic or spinal fractures. These instances happen most often when a person slips and falls from one level to another.
Soft Tissues Injuries: Falls frequently cause neck, back, leg, and other soft tissue sprains and strains. These injuries often occur in conjunction with more serious conditions.
Laceration and abrasions: These injuries can cause severe pain, infections, and scarring.