Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
A slip and fall accident could affect any part of the body, whether the injury comes from striking a hard surface, attempting to break the fall, or trying to mitigate harm. Because of the role the spine plays in terms of providing stability, mobility, and flexibility, a victim will often suffer injuries to the spinal cord. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) reports that falls rank second for causing trauma to the spinal cord, while auto crashes top the list. Slip and fall incidents are responsible for 32.2% of all spinal cord injuries.
If you sustained trauma to the spinal cord, the implications could be extremely serious. You do have legal remedies, such as pursuing a negligent property owner for not maintaining the premises. A Miami slip and fall accidents attorney will assist with recovering monetary damages for your losses, but you can check out some basics about spinal cord injuries.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord acts as a messaging center between the brain and other parts of the body, so the consequences vary depending on two factors:
- Location: The spine consists of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions, each of which has a different duty. Injuries to the lumbar region in the lower spine may lead to varying levels of paralysis in the lower body. Harm to the cervical spine, at the neck, could be fatal because of impacts on respiration.
- Completeness: An incomplete injury to the spinal cord still allows messages to be transmitted from the brain, so there could be some function below the region affected. With a complete spinal cord injury, the cord is severed. The victim could lose all sensation and function.
Liability of Florida Property Owners
A slip and fall is often the result of carelessness by a property or business owner. Under state laws on premises liability, those who own or operate the space must keep it in reasonably safe condition. If you suffered spinal cord injuries in a fall, it is likely because a negligent property owner allowed a hazard to exist without providing necessary repairs. Falls may occur because of:
- Spills;
- Dripping condensation from freezers and AC units;
- Broken tile or flooring;
- Unsecured carpeting; and,
- Damaged stairs and railings.
Recovering Damages After a Slip and Fall Accident
The costs of treating and living with spinal cord injuries may skyrocket into the millions, especially for a younger victim who will require care for decades. Through legal remedies, you can obtain compensation for massive losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Consult With a Miami Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Right Away
Spinal cord injuries can lead to devastating losses in the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall, and the consequences for the victim may last for years. To learn more about your rights, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA, at (305) 371-6000 or via our website. We can set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.
