In addition to broken bones or torn muscles and ligaments, falls can put a person at risk for concussion or TBI. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the number one leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injury (35.2%). Half of the Traumatic Brain Injuries (50%) among children aged 0-14 are related to falls. Among adults age 65 and older, 61% of all TBIs are fall related. A TBI can have serious consequences. One of the main risks associated with falling is a concussion. Sometimes recovery from a TBI and concussion can be complete and quick. There are those, however, who experience a slower more difficult recovery.
TBI and concussion are likely to cause difficulty thinking and remembering, feeling tired and having no energy. Many patients who have a fall related concussion experience dizziness and vomiting as well as balance problems. Sometimes the injury to the brain can even disrupt sleep and cause emotional symptoms.
Some statistics show that as many as 60% of falls happen on the same level, meaning there is too little friction or traction between the shoe and the walking surface. As we age, our risk of falling increases, so it is important to prevent unsafe conditions that are the most obvious fall hazards.
Many incidents of fall related TBIs and other injuries happen at large businesses. Business owners who are open to the public have a particular obligation to clean spills or mark wet areas on the floor, keep floors free from debris, remove any clutter or obstacles in walkways, and keep work areas and walkways well it. In an incident like this, the out of pocket medical expenses for treatment after a fall and the amount of lost wages as a result of missing work due to recovery can leave an injured person with an intimidating amount of bills.
Because some companies do not take the proper precautions to maintain safe shopping areas, these businesses are sometimes responsible to pay for the medical expenses incurred as a result of an injured customer’s fall. Earlier this year in Georgia, a jury returned a $2.3 million verdict for a man who had been shopping at a grocery store and slipped on crushed fruit on the floor near the deli. The man suffered a serious spinal cord injury, which required surgery and placement of multiple rods and screws to stabilize his spinal cord.
After a fall it is important to seek immediate medical treatment. Danger signs of a TBI or concussion include a headache that gets worse, weakness or numbness, nausea or vomiting and slurred speech. Document your medical visits and take pictures of the injury if possible. You should also know your legal rights if you or someone you care about has suffered a TBI, concussion, or other serious injury because of a fall.