Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, especially in a bustling metropolis like New York City. Among these are trip or slip and fall incidents, which may seem minor at first glance but can have devastating consequences. In particular, slip or trip and fall accidents can sometimes lead to serious brain injuries. Read this blog and reach out to a seasoned New York City slip and fall lawyer to learn more about these cases and how we can help if you’ve been harmed due to the negligence of another. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Slip and Fall Accidents Most Commonly Cause Brain Injuries?
Not all falls are created equal when it comes to causing brain trauma. The severity of a fall and the likelihood of a brain injury depend on several factors, such as the height of the fall, the speed at which it occurred, and the surface you land on. A simple trip on an uneven sidewalk might not seem as dangerous as a slip on a wet marble floor. However, even what seems like a minor fall can result in a brain injury, especially if the impact is to the head.
For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the United States. The reason behind this is fairly straightforward: when you fall, your body often cannot break the impact in time, leading to direct trauma to the skull.
How Can a Brain Injury from a Fall Be Identified?
Brain injuries are not always immediately apparent. Often, victims walk away from a fall thinking they are perfectly fine, only to experience symptoms days or even weeks later. Recognizing the signs early is crucial. Common symptoms of a brain injury include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and loss of memory. In more severe cases, symptoms can escalate to loss of consciousness, seizures, or even significant cognitive impairment.
Medical professionals often emphasize the importance of getting checked out immediately after a fall, even if you feel alright. Brain injuries can be sneaky. A mild concussion might only cause temporary discomfort, but a more severe injury can lead to long-term complications that impact your quality of life. As an NYC personal injury attorney would tell you, failing to seek medical attention could also complicate your ability to pursue legal action later.
Proving fault in a slip or trip and fall case can be a complex process. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. If they fail to fix hazards like icy sidewalks, broken steps, or spilled liquids, they could be held liable. However, simply falling on someone’s property does not automatically guarantee a successful lawsuit. An experienced personal injury lawyer will analyze several factors, such as whether the property owner was aware (or should have been aware) of the hazard and whether they had a reasonable amount of time to address it.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
