Target slip and fall injuries are usually unforeseen. One minute you’re walking along, picking out items and placing them in your shopping cart, and the next minute you find yourself on the ground with an injury. Sometimes, a slip and fall accident can occur at the store’s entrance, especially in snowy or icy weather.
Slip and fall injuries can range from mild to severe. The severity of the injury depends on several factors, including how you land, your general health, and whether there are any objects on the floor that could cause further harm. Elderly individuals are usually more susceptible to severe injuries since they may have pre-existing health conditions or weaker bones.
Some of the most typical injuries associated with slips and falls include:
Broken Bones
Suffering a broken wrist, arm, hip, or ankle from a slip and fall accident is quite common. Slips are often unexpected; when they happen, there may not be enough time to protect yourself from injury. The sudden force may cause a broken wrist, arm, or fingers if you try to break the fall with your arms or hands.
Broken bones usually require several months to heal fully. Some patients require surgery for their injuries, while others may need a cast. Broken bones can make it difficult to perform regular activities such as personal care, driving, or even walking. In the worst cases, patients may need a wheelchair during their rehabilitation period.
Once the broken bone has healed, patients often need physical therapy to regain full mobility of the affected limbs. Older adults who suffer from broken bones may need longer-term care and treatment. In some cases, they never regain full mobility.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Sometimes, a slip and fall accident can lead to a traumatic brain injury, like a concussion. Concussions occur when the head strikes a solid object, such as a hard floor or storage rack. People who suffer from traumatic brain injuries may not realize the extent of their injuries for several days. They may feel dazed after the fall but not fully know how seriously they’ve been hurt.
Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary from person to person. Headaches, dizziness, difficulty with speech, and light sensitivity are all common symptoms of traumatic brain injury. Sometimes, people may have difficulty remembering things or have trouble with concentration.
The effects of a traumatic brain injury may last several weeks or be lifelong. A physician can determine the extent of your injuries and provide you with an appropriate treatment plan.
Cuts or Bruises
Sometimes, Target slip and fall accidents result in cuts or bruises. Cuts may occur if the injured individual makes contact with a sharp object, like glass or a metal edge. Bruises are common in places where the body meets the ground or other objects.
Severe cuts usually require stitches to heal fully. The affected area will likely need several weeks to months to repair itself. Similarly, bruises often require a few weeks to heal.
Problems arise if cuts result in scarring. Facial lacerations can leave deep scars and disfigure a person’s appearance for years or a lifetime. Cuts in other areas of the body can make it challenging to perform regular daily activities.
A doctor can examine cuts and bruises sustained in a slip and fall accident and determine how to treat them.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include muscle strains, sprains, and damage to tendons or ligaments. While soft tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent, they can be significant and worsen over time. Muscle strains and sprains often heal with treatment and therapy, but damage to knee tendons or ligaments may be irreparable without surgery.
Knee injuries are notorious for causing severe damage to an individual’s quality of life. People who suffer from knee injuries may have difficulty walking, carrying heavy items, and performing regular exercise. Even with surgery, it can take months or years to recover from a knee injury fully.
While soft tissue injuries may not be visible, they can be incredibly painful. Suppose that you’ve suffered a mild tissue injury due to a Target slip and fall accident. In that case, you’ll want a knowledgeable lawyer to help you obtain compensation for your medical costs and recovery.
Back Injuries
Like soft tissue injuries, a back injury can range from moderate to severe. A mild back injury may result in pain while bending, walking, or lifting. Severe back injuries that affect the spinal cord can be life-threatening and require lifelong care.
Target slip and fall accidents often result in back injuries. You’ll want to seek immediate treatment for any type of back injury, no matter how mild it may seem initially. Sometimes, the severity of an injury to your back takes several days to become apparent.
Treatment for back injuries varies. Some people recover within a week or two with assistance from pain relievers and gentle exercise, while others require ongoing care. A doctor can create an appropriate treatment plan for you.