One of the reasons slipping and falling can be so dangerous is that it is completely unexpected. When victims are unable to break a fall with their hands or arms or they crash into someone on the way down, they could suffer serious head injuries, including concussions, hematomas, skull fractures or closed head injuries.
Below, we discuss head/brain injuries that are caused by Lafayette slip and fall accidents, including how and why they can occur, common symptoms and validating a claim for compensation.
If you were injured in a slip and fall, the property owner may be at fault. Our experienced Lafayette slip and fall lawyers may be able to help you seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages. There are no upfront costs with our services, so give us a call today to learn more about how we may be able to help you.
How a Slip and Fall Could Cause a Head Injury
There are many reasons why a Lafayette slip and fall accident may occur, and a head injury could occur in a wide variety of slip and fall accidents. However, there may be situations when a head injury may be more likely to occur.
For example, if you hit your head while falling, you could suffer a concussion or skull fracture. If your foot gets caught on a crack in the sidewalk, you could hit your head on a tree, stop sign or fire hydrant.
Other situations that may result in a head injury include:
- Falling in a store and hitting your head on a shelf or countertop
- Falling in a house and hitting a table, chair or countertop
- Slipping and falling backward, landing on your back – even if you do not hit your head, your head could be violently shaken, which could result in a concussion
- Falling off or down a staircase because of a broken step, broken railing or slippery steps
While anyone could suffer a significant head injury in a slip and fall accident, children and the elderly may be at the highest risk. Children have developing brains, which means a head injury could cause significant damage. Meanwhile, the elderly may struggle to break their falls and may fall more violently than younger adults.
It is important to note the insurance company would have a hard time devaluing or denying your claim because you may have been more likely to suffer a significant injury, due to your age or a prior injury.
For a free legal consultation, call 337-984-8020
Common Head Injuries from Lafayette Slip and Fall Accidents
A head injury is one that causes trauma to the scalp, brain or skull, often from a sharp blow to the head. Examples of head injuries that may result from a slip and fall include:
- Concussions – These can occur when someone suffers a bump, blow or jolt to the head that causes the head and brain to rapidly move back and forth. When the brain bounces or moves around in the skull, there can be chemical changes and damage to brain cells. Concussions can range from mild to severe.
- Hematoma – A hematoma is a blood clot that exerts pressure on brain tissue. These blood clots can be formed when blood vessels are damaged. If the pressure caused by a hematoma is not relieved, victims could lose brain function.
- Closed head injury – Victims may have bruised brain tissue, torn blood vessels, pressure in the skull or swelling in the brain. This could lead to lifelong brain damage. It is called a closed head injury because the skull is not pierced.
- Skull fracture – If the blow to the head is serious enough, the skull could be fractured in one or more places.
- Contusion – Trauma to the head can bruise the brain, leading to bleeding. Some contusions may heal on their own, but others may need to be removed with surgery.
Symptoms of a Head Injury to Watch For
There are various symptoms of a head injury to watch for, particularly pain after a blow to the head. Other symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Losing consciousness for at least a few seconds (concussions can happen without losing consciousness)
- Slurring words
- Poor balance
- Confusion
- Fluid coming out of the victim’s nose or ears
- Unequal pupil size
- Black and blue discoloration behind the victim’s ears or under his or her eyes
- Seizures
- Pressure in the head
- Ringing in the ears
- Personality changes
- Memory problems
- Trouble sleeping
If people feel any of these symptoms after a slip and fall, they should seek immediate medical attention. Some brain/head injuries could be life-threatening if they are not treated right away.
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Validating a Claim for a Slip and Fall Head Injury
You will need medical evidence of your head injury, such as the results of a diagnostic test. There are various diagnostic tests that could be used to prove someone suffered a head or brain injury, such as:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
Notes on a doctor’s evaluation of the victim can also be helpful, as the doctor can note symptoms the victim reports and a diagnosis. The doctor is also going to note recommended treatment, such as surgery, rehabilitation, prescription medication, etc.
You may need treatment records from a neurologist, as these specialists have the medical knowledge to accurately diagnose and treat head/brain injuries.
It is important to seek treatment immediately after the accident, as this helps to link the injury to the accident. Make sure to continue your treatment, as a record of continuing treatment demonstrates the severity of the situation.
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Call Galloway Jefcoat to Discuss a Potential Claim for Compensation
Lafayette slip and fall cases can be tough to prove, as liability can be quite complex. That is why victims should strongly consider working with a licensed attorney.
At Galloway Jefcoat, our lawyers work on contingency, which means no upfront fees or legal obligations. There are no risks in giving us a call to discuss your claim or hiring us to represent you. We do not get paid unless you get paid.
Our attorneys have secured millions on behalf of our clients over more than 25 years serving injury victims in Louisiana.
Call or text 337-984-8020 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form