5 Most Common Types of Slip and Fall Injuries in the Workplace
Slip and fall injuries are a common type of accident in the workplace. They can occur for a number of reasons, including wet or icy surfaces, tripping on objects in your path, and slipping on loose materials. If you suffer from a slip and fall injury in the workplace, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Below, we discuss the five most common types of slip and fall injuries in the workplace.
Table of Contents
1. Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are two of the most common types of slip and fall injuries. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is a tissue that connects two bones together. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which is a tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. Both sprains and strains can be caused by falling down stairs, slipping on a wet floor, or tripping over an object. If you have suffered a sprain or strain in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Contact an experienced slip and fall injuries attorney to learn more about your rights and options.
2. Head Injuries
Head injuries are unfortunately all too common in the workplace, especially in settings where there is a lot of foot traffic or flooring that can be slippery. A hard fall can lead to serious injuries like concussions, skull fractures, and even traumatic brain injuries. If you have suffered a head injury at work, it is important to seek medical attention right away. You should also get in touch with a workers’ compensation attorney to help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive the full benefit to which you are entitled.
3. Neck Injuries
When most people think of slip and fall accidents, they envision someone slipping on a wet floor. However, slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere. Employees who work in warehouse settings or on construction sites are at particular risk for neck injuries. These injuries can be caused by a number of factors, including uneven surfaces, tripping hazards, and loose equipment.
4. Back Injuries
Back injuries can occur when a worker falls and lands on their back, or when they are involved in a lifting accident. Common examples of back injuries include herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and fractured vertebrae. These injuries can cause severe pain and may require surgery to correct. In some cases, they can also lead to paralysis. If you have suffered a back injury in a slip and fall accident at work, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
5. Contusion
A contusion is a medical term for a bruise. A bruise occurs when small blood vessels are damaged or broken as a result of a blow to the body. The blood from these vessels leaks into the tissue, causing the area to turn blue or black. Although contusions can occur anywhere on the body, they are particularly common in the back. This is because the back is often exposed to direct impact in the workplace.
Injuries sustained from slips, trips, and falls can be extremely serious or even fatal. Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace for their employees. If you have been injured as a result of a slip, trip, or fall at work, it is crucial to seek legal counsel to protect your rights.