At Georgia Injury Centers, we have seen our fair share of workplace accidents. While there are different workplace accidents, slips and falls are some of the most common. In 2019, 880 people died from slip and fall accidents in the workplace, with 224,000 being severely injured enough to require time off work.
Understanding the type of injuries you could sustain in a slip and fall accident at work would help you take extra care. In addition, it lets you know the kind of treatment you’ll require to recover in time to return to work. Our Georgia Injury Centers offer the best treatment for workplace injuries, including those sustained in a slip and fall accident. So visit us immediately after your accident.
What Injury Can You Sustain in a Workplace Slip and Fall Accident?
Below are some of the common injuries workers sustain in a slip and fall accident.
Broken Bones
Otherwise known as a fracture, broken bone occurs when there’s more pressure than the bone can withstand. For example, a fall could cause stressful force on the bones throughout the body. The fracture would likely be to the hips, wrists, or ankle. Older people are more likely to sustain this injury as they are considered more fragile than younger people.
Possible treatment options for a slip and fall injury include:
- Splints – to stop the movement of the broken limb
- Braces – to support the bone
- Traction – a less common option
- Surgically inserted metal rods or plates – to hold the bone pieces together
- Plaster cast – to provide support and immobilize the bone
- Pain relief
Sprained Ankles and Wrists
When about to fall after slipping, you may take unusual or uneven steps. It is also normal for you to spread out your arms when trying to break a fall. This could lead to a tear in your ligaments or wrists, leading to a sprain or strain. This injury may take time to heal as ligaments do not receive a lot of blood. Consequently, you may find yourself unable to perform everyday tasks.
The National Institute of Health recommends the following treatment for sprains and strains:
- Rest the wounded area
- Place ice on the injury for 20 minutes about four to eight times daily
- Compress the injury using casts, boot, splints, or special bandages
- Place the injured knee, elbow, or wrist on a pillow
- Take pain killers
Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI is a trauma that goes beyond the skull to the brain tissue. Most people who slip and fall do not know they sustained a brain injury until later.
Getting checked for TBI immediately after a slip and fall accident allows you to commence treatment in time to prevent life-long consequences. You can treat a mild TBI by resting for a few days, but more severe cases may require medication or surgery. Your doctor would recommend the best option for you.
Shoulder Dislocation and Muscle Strains
When you fall, you might hit your shoulder on the floor. You might also reach out while falling and jar your shoulder, leading to dislocation or muscle strain. Depending on the severity, you may need immediate surgery to fix the damage. Notably this injury might have long-lasting impacts, so you should always have a dislocated shoulder or muscle strain treated immediately.
Knee Damage
If you twist when falling, you may suffer a knee injury. Ths injury is usually complicated to treat as the knee is a collection of bone and ligaments. It will take time to heal if you hurt your medial collateral ligament (MCL) or your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Furthermore, you may need knee reconstruction surgery.
Cuts and Bruises
A cut or bruise can result from any internal or external damage from the fall. Even though most people do not see a cut as serious, it could lead to disfigurement if not treated quickly enough. So, see a doctor to avoid scars and infections.
Were You Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Visit Georgia Injury Centers!
At Georgia Injury Centers, we offer personalized treatment to victims of workplace accidents. Our team of specialists would provide you with the best care possible no matter your injury type. Aside from medical treatment, we have an excellent referral service where we connect you with a lawyer that can help you get compensation for your injuries. So call today to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.
