From slip-and-fall accidents on dangerous premises to incidents resulting from negligent security, a premises liability injury can arise in a wide range of scenarios. While the circumstances surrounding these injuries can vary significantly, the nature of the injuries can often have common similarities.
If you were injured on someone else’s property—whether at a business, government building, school, entertainment venue, or someone else’s home—it will be important for you to speak with a premises liability lawyer promptly. Regardless of the injuries you suffered, if the property owner (or tenant) is to blame, you are entitled to fair compensation.
When pursuing a premises liability claim, a key step is proving that your injuries resulted from the accident or incident in question. This means that you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Five of the most common injuries resulting from falls and other premises-related accidents are:
Hitting your head on the ground, a bench or curb, or any other solid object during a fall can easily cause a concussion. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) defines a concussion as, “an injury to the brain that results in temporary loss of normal brain function.” Concussions may or may not result in temporary loss of consciousness, and they can range in terms of their severity. But, all concussions are serious injuries, and appropriate treatment is crucial for mitigating the risk of secondary injuries or other complications.
While hitting your head is one way that you can suffer a concussion, direct impact isn’t necessary. Violent or severe motion of the head during a fall can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. As a result, regardless of whether you hit your head, if you are experiencing headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or other symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Bone fractures and dislocations are common injuries in all types of premises liability cases—including falls and incidents resulting from negligent security. Severe localized pain, swelling, bruising, numbness, and tingling are all potential signs of a fracture or dislocation.
Similar to concussions, bone injuries can vary widely in terms of their severity. While some fractures can heal with immobilization and rest, in other cases invasive surgery to reattach and stabilize the bone may be necessary. Common bone injuries in premises liability cases include:
Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are collectively referred to as “soft tissue injuries.” Trauma suffered during falls and other premises-related accidents and incidents can cause soft tissue damage throughout the body, with the soft tissue in the joints, limbs, and extremities being particularly prone to injury. While sprains and strains will often heal with immobilization and rest, tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons may require surgery to heal properly.
While numbness and tingling (or a “pins and needles” sensation) can be symptomatic of a bone fracture, these are also common symptoms of nerve damage. Nerves run from the spinal cord throughout the body, extending all the way to your fingertips and the tips of your toes.
Pinching, compression, and lacerations can all lead to nerve damage. While relatively minor nerve injuries are often treatable, nerve damage can be permanent in many cases. Seeking treatment promptly is critical for ensuring that the long-term effects of your injuries are no greater than necessary.
Along with physical injuries, premises-related accidents and incidents can also cause severe emotional trauma. Sudden and severe falls can cause flashbacks and post-traumatic stress, while assaults and other incidents can have a profound impact on your life long after your physical injuries have healed. When dealing with traumatic injuries, it is important not to ignore any psychological effects you may be experiencing—and you should seek treatment promptly for these as well.
Were you seriously injured in a premises-related accident or incident in Illinois? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries—and you will want to speak with a lawyer about your legal rights as soon as possible.
To schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation with a Chicago premises liability lawyer at Coplan + Crane, please call 708-358-8080 or tell us how we can reach you online today. We serve clients across Illinois, including Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, and other areas.
