Trip and Fall Accidents

Trip and fall accidents are more common than many people realize, and they can occur in a variety of settings. Whether you’re out running errands, at work, or simply walking in your neighborhood, there are many circumstances where a trip and fall injury could happen. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, sprained ankles, or even head trauma.

If you have been injured in a trip and fall accident in Westchester County, New York, or anywhere in the lower Hudson Valley, it may not be immediately obvious whether you have a claim. That is why you may want to contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation. We’ll often respond on the same day and always within 24 business hours. We can answer your questions and explain what your legal options might be.

Why Do Trip and Fall Accidents Happen?

Trip and fall accidents happen for many reasons, and the cause is not always inattention or clumsiness. In many cases, these so-called accidents are caused by preventable situations, such as:

• Uneven sidewalks or walkways. Sidewalks and public walkways are some of the most common places where people trip and fall. Cracked pavement, broken tiles, or raised tree roots can create hazards, leading to an unexpected fall. In these situations, property owners, municipalities, or city planners may be held accountable if they fail to repair or address these hazards.
• Cluttered indoor spaces. Trip hazards aren’t just limited to outdoor areas. Inside stores, offices, and public spaces, things like furniture, cords, or personal belongings left on the floor can easily create a dangerous environment. Businesses are responsible for keeping their floors free of hazards.
• Stairs. Stairs are particularly dangerous and account for a significant portion of trip and fall accidents. Poor lighting, missing or broken handrails, uneven steps, and even a sudden shift in the height of a stair can cause someone to lose their balance. Whether it’s a flight of stairs in an apartment building, a public transit station, or in the workplace, it is imperative that property owners and managers work at maintaining stairs in good condition and ensuring there is adequate lighting.
• Inadequate lighting. Poor lighting hides hazards like cracks, steps, or changes in elevation that could lead to a fall.
• Rugs and mats. Another everyday situation where trip and fall accidents often happen is when rugs, mats, or carpets become loose or uneven. A rug that’s not properly secured can shift or bunch up, causing someone to trip when they walk over it. Additionally, old or worn-out mats with curled edges that aren’t properly anchored may pose a risk, especially for people with limited vision or mobility.
• Worksites. Active construction zones can be a minefield for unexpected trip and fall accidents. Tools, debris, and uneven surfaces are all part of the work environment, but construction companies are required to ensure the site is as safe as possible for both workers and visitors. Barriers, warning signs, and secure walkways can all reduce the risk of trip and fall accidents.

Common Injuries Caused by Trip and Fall Accidents

In many cases, trip and fall injuries cause nothing more than temporary embarrassment and maybe a small bruise. However, it’s important to never dismiss these accidents, because they can lead to permanent and even fatal injury. Common injuries sustained in trip and fall incidents include:

• Sprained ankles. This injury typically happens when the ligaments in the ankle stretch beyond their normal range of motion, often when the foot twists or turns awkwardly as a result of the fall. A sprained ankle can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. While some sprains may heal with rest and ice, more severe sprains may require medical treatment, physical therapy, or even surgery.
• Fractures.  The force of a trip and fall can lead to broken bones, especially in the hands, arms, legs, and wrists. When people fall, they instinctively extend their hands to break the fall, which can lead to wrist or arm fractures. Hip fractures are particularly common in older adults and can have devastating consequences, often requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation. Hip fractures can strip someone of their independence and even shorten their life. Any fractured bones can take weeks or even months to heal, and in some cases, they may lead to long-term mobility issues. Complex fractures with multiple breaks may require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
• Head injuries. A fall, particularly one where the person falls backward or strikes a hard surface, can result in concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Symptoms of a concussion might include dizziness, confusion, nausea, or loss of consciousness, while more severe head injuries can result in bleeding in the brain or skull fractures. These types of injuries can lead to long-term cognitive issues and even permanent disability. In severe cases, head injuries from a trip and fall accident can be fatal.
• Back and spine injuries. A sudden fall can cause a person to land in a way that strains the muscles or ligaments in the back, resulting in pain, stiffness, or limited mobility. More serious falls can lead to herniated discs, fractures, or even damage to the spinal cord, which can result in paralysis. Back and spine injuries can have long-term effects and some symptoms may develop gradually, which is why it’s important to get medical attention after a fall, even if you’re not sure you have been injured.
• Knee injuries. When a person trips and falls, it’s common for their knees to absorb much of the impact, especially if they fall forward. Knee injuries might include bruising, sprains, or damage to the ligaments or cartilage in the knee. Injuries like a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or torn meniscus are often associated with serious falls, and they can require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
• Soft tissue injuries. These injuries occur when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are stretched or torn during a fall, often leading to bruising, swelling, and pain. Soft tissue injuries may not show visible signs right away but can still cause significant discomfort and require physical therapy for recovery. In many cases, soft tissue injuries can linger long after the initial fall, causing ongoing pain.

• Facial injuries. If someone falls headfirst and is unable to catch themselves in time, the impact of their face hitting the pavement can cause cuts, bruising, or fractures to the nose, jaw, or cheekbones. In more severe cases, trip and fall accidents can lead to broken teeth or eye injuries. If someone is wearing glasses at the time of their fall, the glasses can break or get crushed into the face and eyes, leading to even more severe injuries. Facial injuries can lead to long-lasting physical and emotional effects, as they often leave visible scars.
• Emotional harm.  While physical injuries from trip and fall accidents are often severe, the emotional and psychological impact can be just as significant. After a fall, especially one that causes catastrophic injuries, a person may experience anxiety, depression, or trauma. Many people may experience mood swings, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms. For many, the fear of falling again can become overwhelming, leading to a reduced quality of life. It’s important for individuals who’ve experienced trip and fall accidents to seek support to address these mental health concerns.

Since the injuries caused by trip and fall accidents can be so significant, it is important to seek medical help right away. If you have hit your head, for example, there is no way to know whether you have suffered a serious TBI unless you get a full medical evaluation.

What To Do After a Trip and Fall Accident

If you’ve suffered a trip and fall injury, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your health and your right to compensation. Document the scene of the accident, take photos if possible, and report the incident. For example, if you are in a store when you trip and fall, report the incident to the store manager and ask for a copy of the incident report.

In many cases, seeking legal advice can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve. Always call a trip and fall accident attorney immediately after your injury, so you can start taking the steps towards fair compensation.

Contact Us After a Serious Injury

Whether you have suffered a slip and fall, trip and fall, or any other accident or injury, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation. With our law firm, our founder Mark Siesel will oversee your case from start to finish and your calls and emails will always be answered within 24 business hours or sooner. We treat you with care even as we aggressively pursue compensation for you.