10 Common Back Injuries from Falling in Philadelphia: Do I Have a Case?
Slip and fall accidents are terrifying. One minute you’re walking, and the next, you’re on the ground.
What are the common back injuries from falling that lead to lawsuits in Philadelphia? We’ll discuss in this article.
These sudden falls can result in significant injuries, including to your spine.
Slip and fall injury symptoms can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the fall.
If you sustained a back injury from a fall caused by another party’s negligence, you could have the right to pursue a claim for damages.
Contact a Pennsylvania slip and fall lawyer at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers to learn how we can assist.
10 Common Back Injuries from Falling
Back injuries can be severe, especially as you get older. Some of the most devastating slip and fall injuries are backward fall injuries, which happen when you fall and land on your back.
After a fall, the duration of back pain recovery typically spans around 6 weeks for most minor injuries. To alleviate discomfort, it’s recommended to maintain activity levels and utilize simple pain-relief methods.
Here is a look at some of the most common back injuries from falling we represent injured victims in Pennsylvania.
- Muscle Sprains and Strains
Muscle sprains and strains are among the most prevalent back injuries after a fall. These injuries involve the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. While they can cause significant pain and discomfort, they often heal with rest, ice, and physical therapy.
- Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft tissue between vertebrae ruptures, placing pressure on nearby nerves. This can result in sharp pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms. Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgery.
- Compression Fractures
Compression fractures involve the collapse of vertebrae due to excessive force, often seen in older adults or those with weakened bones. These fractures can cause severe pain and limited mobility and may require bracing, medication, or surgical intervention.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries from falls can have life-altering consequences, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions. Immediate medical attention is crucial, and ongoing rehabilitation and support are often necessary for recovery.
- Tailbone Injuries
Injuring the tailbone (coccyx) can result in persistent pain and discomfort, especially when sitting or moving. Treatment may involve pain management techniques, cushioning, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.
- Lumbar Strain
A lumbar strain affects the lower back muscles and ligaments, causing pain and stiffness. Rest, gentle exercises, and anti-inflammatory medication are typical treatments to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries encompass various tissue damage, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can cause swelling, pain, and limited mobility, often requiring physical therapy and pain management strategies.
- Fractured Vertebrae
Fractured vertebrae can result from falls, leading to instability, pain, and potential nerve damage. Treatment may involve bracing, medication, or surgery to stabilize the spine and promote healing.
- Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often causing nerve compression and pain. Management includes pain medication, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions to relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Sacral Fracture
A sacral fracture involves the breaking of the sacrum, causing significant pain and difficulty with mobility. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and may include rest, bracing, or surgery.
Slip and Fall Back Injury Symptoms
A back injury from a fall can manifest itself with various symptoms. Symptoms can range from minor stiffness to the inability to move from the waist down.
In some cases, pain is minor and might resolve independently or with some physical therapy.
You might require a few doctors’ appointments and some minimal treatment before the pain goes away and you can return to your normal activities again.
In other cases, the pain is severe and may require surgical intervention.
Some common back injuries from falling symptoms include:
- Muscle spasms,
- Pinched nerve feeling in the back,
- Stiffness in the back,
- Difficulty bending or moving,
- Numbness in your extremities,
- Radiating pain down your leg, and
- Paralysis.
Some injuries can result in residual pain or exacerbate pre-existing back pain. At-fault parties could be responsible for your new back injury and the worsening of any existing one.
Typically, after a fall, minor back injuries tend to heal on their own within a period of about 6 weeks. To aid recovery, it’s advisable to remain active and consider using simple pain-relief measures.
How to Pursue Compensation for Your Back Injury
In Pennsylvania, seeking damages for a back injury caused by a slip and fall typically involves several key steps.
First, it’s crucial to document the incident by obtaining medical records, photographs of the accident scene, and witness statements. Next, notify the property owner or manager of the incident and promptly seek medical attention.
Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, is also an essential step.
Your attorney will assess the case, determine liability based on Pennsylvania’s premises liability laws, and gather evidence to support your claim.
They will negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your back injury.
Working with a skilled legal team can ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve for your injury.
If You’ve Suffered a Slip and Fall Back Injury, Contact Our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Philadelphia
Pursuing compensation for a slip and fall back injury can be difficult. That’s because insurance companies are skeptical of slip and fall cases due to potential fraud.
You shouldn’t try to handle your claim independently. Instead, let our experienced slip-and-fall lawyers in Philadelphia help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
We have years of experience representing clients like you at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers.
We know you need money and resolving your case quickly is important. Let us review your case and help you pursue the compensation you’re owed.
We’ll work tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation possible in the shortest amount of time.
To learn more about how we can assist, contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.