Common Types of Slip and Fall Injuries

A slip and fall injury can happen anywhere, at any time. You might be walking in a parking lot and slip on a puddle of water, or you could trip on a loose floorboard while carrying groceries into your home. 

In this blog post, we touch on everything you need to know about slip and fall injuries. By the end of it, you’ll know exactly what to do if you ever find yourself in this kind of situation!

What Are Slip and Fall Injuries, and What Can Cause Them?

Slip and fall injuries are exactly what they sound like: injuries that occur when you slip or trip and fall to the ground. Though falling down might not seem like a big deal, the truth is that slip and fall accidents can cause serious – even life-threatening – injuries. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what causes them. 

While slips and falls can be caused by a number of factors, there are three primary causes of slip and fall injuries: 

• Wet Surfaces: Water can make even the most stable surfaces slick and dangerous. When walking on a wet surface, be sure to walk slowly and deliberately.

• Poor Lighting: When visibility is low, it becomes more difficult to see potential hazards in your path. To avoid accidents, be sure to keep your pathways well-lit. If you are going to be walking in an area that is not well-lit, consider carrying a flashlight with you. 

• Unstable Surfaces: These can include cracked sidewalks, potholes, or uneven carpeting. When walking on an unstable surface, be sure to take your time and watch your step. If possible, try to avoid unstable surfaces altogether or choose an alternate route if one is available.

The Most Common Types of Slip and Fall Injuries 

The most common type of slip and fall injury is a laceration. Lacerations are cuts or punctures to the skin that can be caused by contact with a sharp object or edge. They often require stitches to close the wound and can lead to serious infection if not properly treated. 

Other common slip and fall injuries include fractures, sprains, and strains. Fractures are breaks in the bone, while sprains are torn ligaments. Strains are injured muscles or tendons. All of these injuries can be extremely painful and require extensive medical treatment. 

How to Prevent Slip and Fall Injuries From Happening 

Falls aren’t always preventable – but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. 

Inspect your property for hazards ahead of time. Look for any potential tripping hazards, such as loose stones, cracks in the sidewalk, etc. If you find anything that may pose a risk to the safety of yourself and others, take steps to fix them right away. 

Wipe your feet before going indoors. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it can actually be very effective in preventing slips and falls. If you wipe your feet off before entering, you will remove any potential hazards that could cause injury. 

Wear proper footwear. Heels might look stylish, but they're not always practical. Instead, opt for shoes with good traction that will help you keep your footing on slippery surfaces. 

Use handrails whenever possible. If you're going up or down stairs, handrails can provide extra support and stability that can help you avoid falling. 

Avoid walking alone whenever possible. It's always best to have someone else with you when walking on slippery surfaces since they'll be able to help if you do happen to fall. If you must walk alone, try using a cane or walking stick for additional support . 

Remove ice and snow from walkways and sidewalks. This one is for the winter season and it may seem like an obvious tip, but it is very important. Many people think that salt will melt the ice, but salt only works when it is above freezing. In these conditions, it is vital to use a de-icer or shovel the snow off of walkways so that people do not slip and fall.

What to Do If You Suffer a Slip and Fall injury

If you do suffer a slip and fall injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, or some sort of rehabilitation.  Physiotherapy  or massage therapy are often recommended to help to ease the pain and aid in the recovery process. 

If necessary and you have insurance, make sure to contact your provider so that they can help you with the claims process. You should also call a personal injury attorney so that they can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. 

Relief Awaits 

Avoiding slip and fall injuries is often easier said than done. If you’re experiencing pain related to this common type of injury, contact our team at Reform Clinics today. You can reach us by calling (905) 827-5757  or filling out our  online contact form  .