When people in the Tallahassee area think of slipping and falling, they may believe that the worst outcome is perhaps a broken bone or a pulled muscle.

Indeed, in many cases, a Floridian who falls in a public place escapes with bruises and some feelings of embarrassment. These people should consider themselves lucky.

Falling is a common cause of spinal cord injuries

In a sense, once a person has lost her balance and starts to fall, how serious her injury will be depends a lot on circumstances simply beyond anyone’s control.

While falling from a height certainly increases the chances for a serious injury, even a fall from level ground can be catastrophic depending on how a person lands.

As a case in point, falls are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries among the general population. Falling accounts for over 30% of all new spinal cord injuries each year, trailing only motor vehicle accidents.

Further, among senior citizens, that is, those over 65, falls are the leading cause of new spinal cord injuries.

As most Florida Panhandle residents know, any spinal cord injury is potentially life-altering. Even if a victim manages to avoid paralysis, these injuries still can cause serious problems with mobility and other medical problems.

They cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat properly and may also sideline a person permanently from his trade or profession. The emotional toll of a spinal cord injury is profound.

Other serious injuries can occur after a fall as well

In addition to spinal cord injuries, falls can also lead to traumatic brain injuries. These injuries also can lead to permanent disabilities and other long-term problems. People also should not underestimate how debilitating other soft tissue and bone injuries can be.

A slip-and-fall is no minor affair, and victims should evaluate whether another person or business is responsible for their injury. If there is another party responsible, they may be legally required to pay compensation.

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