Injuries from slip and fall accidents can be far more serious than many people realize. What might seem like a minor tumble can actually result in chronic pain, nerve damage, or even paralysis in severe cases. If you’ve experienced a slip and fall, understanding your injuries and legal options is essential. Schedule a free consultation with Cummings & Lewis to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury on public and private property. These incidents can lead to serious physical harm—and when they result from unsafe conditions, legal action may be possible.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident happens when you lose your footing due to a hazardous condition and suffer an injury. These are not just minor mishaps. When caused by negligence, they fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe environments. If someone is injured due to a slip and fall caused by a property owner’s negligence, they can pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for their injuries and other damages.
Common safety hazards that lead to slip and falls include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven sidewalks, cracked pavement, or loose flooring
- Poor lighting in stairwells or walkways
- Snow, ice, or other outdoor hazards left untreated
If an owner fails to fix or warn about these issues, and you’re injured as a result, you may have a legal claim.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
You can slip, trip, or fall almost anywhere—but certain locations see these accidents more often:
- Retail stores – spills, cluttered aisles, or loose mats
- Restaurants and bars – slippery floors, poor lighting
- Apartment buildings – broken stairs or icy entryways
- Parking lots and sidewalks – cracked concrete or debris
- Workplaces – especially in warehouses or construction zones
These accidents often result from lack of maintenance or failure to address known hazards. When that happens, the injured person may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs.
Most common injuries from slip and fall accidents
Understanding the most common injuries can help you recognize potential symptoms and seek appropriate medical care promptly.
Back Injuries
Falls put intense strain on the spine and surrounding muscles. Sudden twisting or impact can cause herniated disks, compression fractures (especially in older adults), or soft tissue damage. Some injuries may resolve with rest, but others require long-term rehab or even surgery. If you’re experiencing back pain after a fall, it’s important to seek both medical and legal guidance.
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious outcomes of a slip and fall. The CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations. Concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeding can all result from a head impact—and symptoms may not show up right away. Prompt medical evaluation is critical, even if you feel fine at first.
Broken Bones
About 1 in 5 falls results in a serious injury like a broken bone. Wrists, arms, and hips are most vulnerable, especially in older adults with weaker bones. Depending on the type of fracture—simple, compound, or comminuted—you may need surgery, physical therapy, or an extended recovery period.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can stretch or tear during a fall, leading to sprains, strains, or bruising. These injuries often cause swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. While some heal on their own, others require ongoing treatment. Delayed symptoms are also common, so early diagnosis matters.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord trauma from a fall can cause partial or total loss of function below the injury site. These injuries often occur in the neck (cervical spine), especially in older adults, and may result in permanent disability. Treatment can involve surgery, rehab, and assistive devices—making legal support essential in navigating recovery and compensation.
Symptoms to watch after a fall
Many symptoms develop gradually over hours or even days following an accident, potentially indicating serious underlying injuries that require medical attention.
- Pain and Swelling: Pain may not hit right away. If discomfort worsens over time or swelling continues past 48 hours, it could signal a fracture or internal injury.
- Bruising and Stiffness: Bruises are common, but large or fast-spreading ones—especially if you’re on blood thinners—need medical attention. Stiffness in the neck or back may point to muscle trauma or spinal misalignment, especially if mobility is limited.
- Headaches and Dizziness: Headaches, dizziness, or nausea after a fall may indicate a concussion or brain injury. These symptoms sometimes appear hours or days later, so don’t wait to get evaluated.
- Numbness or Tingling: Tingling or numbness in arms or legs could mean nerve damage or a spinal injury. If you notice weakness or loss of sensation, seek immediate medical help, these symptoms may point to serious, lasting harm.
What to do after a slip and fall accident
Taking prompt action after experiencing a slip and fall accident can significantly impact both your recovery and potential legal claim. Here’s what you should do if you’ve suffered injuries from a slip and fall.
1. Get Medical Help Right Away
Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, get checked out—some injuries (like head trauma or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical visit also creates a record that links your injuries directly to the fall.
2. Document the Scene and Your Injuries
If you’re able, take photos of where the fall happened and any hazards involved—wet floors, broken stairs, poor lighting. Capture your injuries and any damaged clothing too. Get names and contact info from any witnesses and write down everything you remember while it’s fresh.
3. Report the Accident
Notify the property owner or manager right away. Ask to file a written report and request a copy. Stick to the facts when describing what happened. This report creates an official record that can help support your claim.
4. Preserve All Evidence
Hold on to anything related to the incident—medical records, bills, photos, witness contacts, and even the shoes or clothes you were wearing. These details may become key evidence in proving your case.
5. Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney
Premises liability claims can be tough to win alone. An experienced slip and fall attorney can build your case, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Cummings & Lewis for a free consultation to understand your legal options and protect your rights.
Slip and Fall Attorneys in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Recovering from a slip and fall injury is difficult enough without the added stress of legal paperwork, insurance negotiations, and proving fault. That’s where we come in. At Cummings & Lewis, our Spartanburg-based slip and fall attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or long-term rehabilitation, our team is committed to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our slip and fall lawyers today to discuss your case and learn how we can support your recovery—physically, financially, and legally.
Related Legal Services in Spartanburg, SC
With 50+ years of combined legal experience, the attorneys at Cummings & Lewis, LLC represent people who need legal assistance. Our size, experience, and legal knowledge allow us to represent people who face all sorts of legal concerns in state and federal courts.