Four Factors Involved in Slip and Fall Injuries

Mar 20, 2013

slip-and-fall-injuries
When someone is involved in an accident because of a slip and fall, there are several different types of injuries that can occur, and multiple factors are involved in determining the exact type of injury. Slip and fall injuries vary in severity and can include fractures and broken bones, facial injuries, abrasions, spinal cord or back injuries, brain injuries, internal bleeding, paralysis, and many more. The injury type and degree of severity will depend on four major biological and physical factors that are present during the accident.

Landing Position

The position in which a person lands after a slip and fall is a major factor in determining the type of injury that results. Protective reflexes will be a factor, including whether or not a person has his or her arms out to try and break the fall. If a person does not use protective reflexes at the time of a fall, this could be an indication of a neurological or other type of impairment.

Height of Fall

When falls occur at over 45 feet, the subsequent injury is expected to result in severe internal organ trauma. Falls that are from distances 30 feet or lower will typically result in musculoskeletal injuries. This can include falls that are from the same level as or under 10 feet, including stumbles, trips, or slips.

Physical Condition

A person’s physical condition will also impact the type of injury sustained in a slip and fall accident. The individual’s body size, age, health, and gender play major roles in the type of injury that will result from the accident.

Surface Impact

The impact on the surface can play a role in the type of injury sustained. The position in which the body hits the ground or other surface and the fall acceleration is vital in determining the type and severity of injury.

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