Slip-and-fall injuries may cost more than people expect

Slip-and-fall incidents may occur in parking lots after a storm or inside a business. People simply going about their daily lives may suddenly lose their balance and fall. It’s common for those involved in a slip-and-fall incident to quickly dismiss the seriousness of what happened.

Often, they leave the business without communicating what happened to management. They may expect to treat their injuries at home. Other times, they may completely overlook the early signs of an injury. While many slip-and-fall incidents have few long-term consequences, some of them have lasting medical and financial implications.

Despite people’s dismissive attitudes about slip-and-falls, such accidents may lead to major financial losses. Why do some slip-and-fall situations lead to financial complications?

Injuries can be expensive to treat

Some people only sustain bruises or scrapes when they experience a same-level fall. Others are not nearly so lucky. There are several serious injuries that people can incur in a slip-and-fall.

Some people acquire painful soft tissue injuries. They may require medication or physical therapy to suppress their symptoms and recover quickly. Others might break bones. Fractures can require treatment ranging from casts to surgery in more severe cases.

If the person who slips hits their head, they could develop a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The cost to treat a TBI could add up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases.

People who fall may lose income as well

Medical expenses aren’t the only concern after a slip-and-fall incident. The person who fell and sustained injuries could also lose income because of the incident. A blue-collar professional or service worker may not be able to do their job at all with a broken bone. They may require weeks away from their job.

In cases involving TBIs, the complicated symptoms that may develop can cause permanent changes to a professional’s earning potential. They may not be able to continue a white-collar career because of cognitive issues. TBIs can also affect blue-collar workers by causing mobility challenges or service workers by altering their personalities. Lost wages and reduced earning potential can have major financial implications for the person who fell.

Provided that unsafe property conditions or negligent business practices contributed to the slip-and-fall, the injured person may be able to file a premises liability insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages can help people limit the long-term consequences of a slip-and-fall caused by the negligence of a property owner or business.