Slip and Fall Accidents With Surgery

When we think about slip and fall scenarios, most of us imagine momentary accidents where the person involved walks away largely unscathed. However, slip and falls can cause injuries and lead to about one million emergency room visits each year in the U.S. While many slip and falls only result in minor scrapes or bruises, some can leave victims with long-term, debilitating injuries that require surgery or other expensive procedures. 

Victims should not be expected to shoulder the financial burden alone in these cases. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall and either underwent or may require surgery, you likely have questions about how this can impact your case. Read on to learn more about the implications of a slip and fall accident with surgery from The Barnes Firm. 

Surgery as a Result of a Slip and Fall 

Slip and fall accidents can result in a range of injuries, such as broken bones, fractures, torn ligaments, head injuries, and spinal cord damage. 

Certain conditions and circumstances significantly increase the likelihood of slip and fall accidents occurring, including missing or broken handrails, wet floors, unmarked hazards, unsecured floor mats, or uneven or damaged flooring. While those with mobility limitations and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these types of accidents, anyone can become a victim of a slip and fall injury that requires extensive and costly medical procedures.

Some Slip and Fall Accident Injuries That May Need Surgery

Here is a list of slip and fall accident injuries that may need surgery:

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury occurs due to a violent jolt or blow to the head. An object that pierces the brain, e.g., a shattered skull, can also cause a traumatic brain injury.

The physical symptoms of moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries include:

• Persistent vomiting and nausea
• Loss of consciousness for several minutes or hours
• Clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
• A persistent headache or a headache that worsens
• Dilation of one or both pupils
• Weakness or numbness of toes or fingers
• Loss of coordination

Surgery for Traumatic Brain Injury

A slip-and-fall victim may require emergency surgery to minimize additional damage to brain tissues.

A healthcare provider may recommend surgery to address the following concerns:

• Skull Fracture: Surgery may be necessary to repair severe fractures or remove pieces of shattered skull from the brain.
• Bleeding: Surgery is often recommended to stop bleeding.
• Removing Blood Clots: Bleeding in the brain or around the brain can result in a collection of blood(hematoma) that puts pressure on the brain or causes brain damage.
• Create an Opening in the Skull: Surgery can help relieve pressure in the skull by draining excess cerebrospinal fluid and creating room for swollen tissues.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal injury comprises damage to any part of the spinal cord. Sometimes, it involves damage to nerves leading to the spinal cord, known as cauda equina. A slip-and-fall accident can cause a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine.

As a result, the spinal cord can sustain fracture, dislocation, crushing, or compression of one or more vertebrae.

Treatment methods for spinal cord injuries include:

• Medicines
• Immobilization
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation

A healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove fragments of the skull in the brain, foreign objects, or fractured vertebrae that may compress the spine. Surgery may also be necessary to stabilize the spine and prevent future complications.

Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder is an injury in which the upper arm bone pops out of the cap-shaped part of the shoulder blade.

Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder may include:

• Intense pain
• Inability to move the shoulder joint
• Bruising or swelling
• An out-of-place or visibly deformed shoulder

The treatment of dislocated shoulder may include:

• Closed reduction
• Medication
• Immobilization
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation

In addition to rehabilitation or strengthening, surgery might offer solutions to those with weak shoulder joints or ligaments or repeated shoulder dislocations. Although rare, surgery may be necessary to fix damaged nerves or blood vessels.

Hip Fracture

An older adult is susceptible to hip fractures after falling from a standing height. A hip fracture can reduce someone’s independence and shorten their lifespan.

When hip fractures prevent movement for a long time, victims become susceptible to various complications, including:

• Bedsores
• Pneumonia
• Blood clots in legs or lungs
• Further loss of muscle mass

Treatment of hip fractures involves a combination of various methods, including rehabilitation, surgical repair, and medication to manage pain.

Surgery becomes applicable depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Options may include:

• Total Hip Replacement: Hip replacement is a surgical procedure where the upper femur and socket in pelvic bones are replaced with artificial parts.
• Internal Repair: You may also need surgery where metal screws are inserted into the bone to hold it together while the fracture heals. In other instances, screws are attached to a metal plate that runs down the thigh bone.
• Partial Hip Replacement: In other situations, the socket part of the hip doesn’t require replacement. The surgical procedure is recommended for adults with different health conditions or those who no longer live independently.

Possible Examples of Slip-and-Fall Settlements in New York

Slip and fall accidents occur because of inadequate lighting, broken steps on staircases, and missing handrails.

They are likely to occur in the following locations:

• Swimming pools
• Grocery stores
• Apartment buildings
• Nursing homes
• Elevators and escalators
• Shopping centers
• Parking garages

Victims of slip-and-fall accidents are likely to sustain the following injuries:

• Head and brain injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Strained and sprained muscles
• Neck injuries
• Cuts and lacerations

You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve sustained an injury due to the property owner’s negligence. There is no average value for a slip and fall settlement; factors such as injury severity, availability of evidence, and permanence of injuries determine the outcome.

Possible Examples of Slip-and-Fall Settlements in CA

Here is a list of familiar places where slip and fall accidents occur in California:

• Nursing homes
• Sidewalks
• Amusement parks
• Nursing homes
• Public swimming pools
• Stadiums
• Restaurant

You may be entitled to compensation if you prove that a slip-and-fall accident occurred because of the property owner’s wrongdoing. A slip-and-fall settlement covers various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, out-of-pocket costs, and emotional anguish.

Impact of Surgery on Settlement Amount

When a slip and fall accident injury requires surgery, it alters the trajectory of your case. Understanding how this medical intervention affects your potential settlement or compensation is crucial for making informed decisions. The need for surgery often leads to a more substantial settlement or compensation in slip and fall cases. This is primarily due to the following factors:

• Increased Medical Expenses: Surgical procedures have significant costs, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital stays, and post-operative care. These expenses constitute a substantial part of your overall damages, elevating the potential settlement amount.
• Extended Recovery Period: Surgery often entails a more prolonged recovery than non-invasive treatments. This may lead to additional expenses for rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care, all of which contribute to a higher settlement figure.
• Impact on Quality of Life: Severe injuries requiring surgery can profoundly impact your day-to-day life. This may encompass reduced mobility, potential loss of income, and limitations in your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed. These non-economic damages are also factored into the settlement amount.

Importance of Documenting Medical Expenses

Maintaining thorough and precise records of all your medical expenses and treatment history is an important piece of evidence in building a robust and effective case. These records serve as invaluable evidence, painting a clear picture of the full scope of your injuries, their financial implications, and the impact the incident has had on your life. To ensure you receive the compensation you rightly deserve, keep track of all of the following:

• Emergency Transportation Costs: If you were taken to a hospital or healthcare facility via emergency vehicle, preserve records of the expenses related to these transportation services.
• Medical Bills and Invoices: Maintain records of all bills related to the surgical procedure, hospital stays, consultations, and other healthcare services received.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Keep track of expenses related to post-operative rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any specialized treatments required for your recovery.
• Prescription and Medication Costs: Document all expenses related to prescribed medications and any over-the-counter drugs recommended for your recovery.
• Travel Expenses for Medical Appointments: If long-distance travel is necessary for medical appointments or treatments, keep records of related expenses such as mileage, parking fees, and accommodation.
• Home or Vehicle Modifications: If your injuries necessitate modifications to your living space or vehicle for accessibility and mobility, keep detailed records and receipts of the expenses involved.

Other Evidence That Can Support Your Case

In addition to comprehensive medical records and bills, several other pieces of evidence can significantly bolster your case. Photographs of your injuries serve as inarguable documentation of the immediate aftermath, providing a powerful visual representation of your pain and suffering. Similarly, capturing images of the accident scene can offer a critical context for establishing liability and isolating the conditions that led to your fall.

Reports about the accident can also give significant weight to a slip and fall case. Witness reports detailing firsthand accounts of the incident provide crucial testimonies to support your version of events. Incident reports filed at the scene can serve as official documentation of the accident. Surveillance footage should be requested and preserved as soon as possible, as it provides objective evidence of the incident.

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer

While injured victims suffer through surgeries and painful recoveries, it’s often difficult or impossible for them to handle the additional burden of evidence collection. Fortunately, an experienced personal injury attorney can assist in gathering and organizing all of the most pertinent materials to strengthen a slip and fall case, allowing clients to focus on their healing. An attorney can also help with all other aspects of your case, including:

• Providing insights into the likely outcome of your case
• Calculating the full extent of your damages
• Offering sound legal advice to ensure you understand your rights and options
• Proving negligence on the part of the liable party
• Consulting with witnesses, experts, and relevant authorities
• Obtaining accident reconstructions
• Wielding legal acumen to expertly construct and present your case
• Handling complex legal procedures and paperwork
• Negotiating with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation

The Barnes Firm is Here to Help After a Slip and Fall Injury

Medical issues resulting from slip and fall accidents are difficult to endure on their own, but when injuries require surgery, victims suffer even more – physically, emotionally, and financially. Those impacted by negligent slip and fall incidents reserve the right to hold at-fault parties accountable. If you’ve suffered injuries requiring surgery after an accident, contact our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys at The Barnes Firm today. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes