Even a basic slip and fall accident can cause seriously debilitating injuries. Most commonly, almost all slip and fall victims will suffer from cuts or bruising, especially if they fall on ice or pavement.
In more serious situations, a slip and fall can cause broken bones or torn ligaments. Many accident victims will fall and twist an ankle, sometimes leading to a sprain, and often leading to a fracture. In the most extreme cases, a victim can even fall on their head. This might lead to a traumatic brain injury which can cause lifelong injuries or the need for extensive rehabilitative care.
You may assume that if you can break your fall by landing on your hands, you’ll walk away unscathed from a slip and fall. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. As seasoned slip and fall attorneys, the team at The Accident Network Law Group have seen dozens of cases where accident victims land on their hands and still suffer seriously damaging injuries.
What Kind Of Injuries Can I Suffer If I Land On My Hands After A Fall?
There are many different injuries a victim can sustain if they fall on their hands. Possible injuries are listed below. If you have been affected by any of the following injuries, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Broken Hand: If you break your fall, the sudden weight of your body can be enough to break your hand. Hands are made up of many small bones, any of which can break easily in a fall. A broken hand can make it impossible to return to work or complete daily activities, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
Broken or Damaged Fingers: In many cases, fingers absorb the brunt of the impact when you fall. Even one broken finger can make it difficult to use your hand, especially if your finger is unable to bend.
Fractured Wrist: Falling on the palm of your hand puts sudden stress on your unsuspecting wrist. Many accident victims assume wrist pain to be an unavoidable side effect of a fall, but it’s important to have a doctor take a look. Damaging your scaphoid bone can severely inhibit your wrist;s mobility in the future.
Colles’ Fracture: This is the most common bone fracture in the United States. It involves the radius, the largest of the two forearm bones, which is nestled dangerously close to the wrist.
Even minor pain in your hands, fingers or wrists needs to be addressed right away by a medical professional. It’s best to assess injuries as soon as they occur to make sure minor pain isn’t a sign of something more serious. As demonstrated above, there are many cases where falling on your hands can lead to debilitating injuries that might keep you out of work, or accrue high medical costs.
If I Slip And Fall At Work, How Can I Fight For Compensation?
Workplace safety and health laws establish regulations designed to eliminate personal injuries and illnesses from occurring in the workplace. The laws consist primarily of federal and state statutes. Your employer has an obligation to keep you safe.
If you’ve slipped and fallen at work, you need to file for workers’ compensation. Every employer in the state of California is obligated to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. If you’ve fallen at work, you have the right to seek compensation for what you suffered.
Your slip and fall lawyer will help you compile evidence, including medical documentation and your injury report from work, in order to build the strength of your workers’ compensation application.
It’s highly recommended that you apply for workers’ compensation with the oversight of an attorney in order to mitigate the risk of a failed application. In the event that your application was denied, you can still enlist the help of a lawyer. Your lawyer can help you file for an appeal, look over your rejected application, and find ways to strengthen it and resubmit. The right lawyer will stop at nothing to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve after a slip and fall.
How Can A Personal Injury Attorney Help Me After Falling On My Hands?
Your slip and fall attorney will help hold the at-fault party liable for what you’ve suffered. The property owner or property manager where you fell should always maintain the safety of their property. If a property owner fails to uphold certain safety standards or if a property owner is negligent in handling safety protocols, you may be entitled to compensation.
Additionally, your lawyer will help compile evidence, such as video footage of the actual accident. If video footage is unattainable, then witness testimony is also helpful. A comprehensive medical record detailing your injuries is also evidence in showing the extent of injuries you may have sustained.
With the help of a personal injury attorney, you can file a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for your hand injuries. Even an injury as simple as a finger fracture or broken hand can require dozens of surgeries, prescription medication, or even long-term rehabilitative care. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for someone else’s negligence. Your lawyer will handle the legwork of your case while you work on healing your hand injuries.
How Much Does It Cost To Speak With A Slip and Fall Lawyer In California?
At The Accident Network Law Group, we never charge for initial consultations. If you’ve fallen on your hands and sustained injuries, you deserve to get sound advice regarding legal avenues you can take.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with The Accident Network Law Group today. WIth our help, you can build a strong personal injury case and fight to earn compensation for your medical bills.
The Accident Network Law Group has offices in Costa Mesa and Riverside, California. Contact us today at info@accidentnetwork.com to speak with a slip and fall lawyer.