Slip and fall accidents happen in Philadelphia throughout the year.  Many fall accidents happen in the winter when there is snow/ice on the sidewalks and outside stairways.  Many fall accidents also happen in the summer when there are more pedestrians walking outside enjoying the weather.

Regardless of when the accidents happen, there are common injuries pedestrians sustain after fall accidents.

Fractured Bones

When pedestrians fall, very often, they may suffer a broken bone.  For instance, a pedestrian walking through Philadelphia in the winter slips on an icy sidewalk and may fracture their arm in an attempt to break the fall.  Another pedestrian walking down the stairs to a subway station may slip, fall down the stairs and break their ankle as a result.  Pedestrians, especially the elderly, may also break their hip as a result of the fall.  Some breaks do not require surgery, while others, like a broken hip, usually require surgery such as a hip replacement.

Head Injuries

Many victims of fall accidents also sustain head injuries.  This happens often when a pedestrian slips on an icy sidewalk and falls backwards.  Their head may hit the sidewalk.  Head injuries also occur when a pedestrian falls down a flight of stairs.  Their head may hit the steps as they fall or tumble down the stairs.  Like broken bones, some head injuries are more serious than others.  Pedestrians may suffer mild concussions, while others may suffer traumatic brain injuries requiring cognitive treatment.

Sprains, Strains and Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains and soft tissue injuries are other common injuries as a result of slip, trip and fall accidents.  Although these types of injuries may not seem or sound as serious as fractured bones or head injuries, they in fact can be serious and significantly affect the victim.  A pedestrian may suffer back spasms that prevent them from standing, walking or sitting for a long period of time.

Damages Victims Can Recover After Philadelphia Fall Accidents

If there are responsible parties who caused the slip, trip and fall accident, injured victims may be able to be financially compensated for their injuries and damages.  First, they can be compensated for their medical expenses, which include past and future medical expenses incurred as a result of the fall accident.  For instance, a victim who suffers a serious traumatic brain injury will require ongoing future medical treatment.

Related: Who is Liable for a Slip, Trip or Fall Accident in a Philadelphia Public Establishment? [This article discusses when public establishments may be liable for a fall accident.  In order to prevail, there are certain elements the injured victim must prove.  Learn more here.]

Injured victims may also recover lost wages.  For instance, a pedestrian sustains a broken ankle as a result of a fall accident and needs to stay off his feet for several weeks.  The pedestrian is a delivery person and because of the injuries, he cannot do his job and loses time from work.  In such a case, the delivery man may recover for his lost wages.

Out of pocket expenses may also be recovered as a result of a Philadelphia fall accident.  Out of pocket expenses may include taxi fares to the doctor’s office because the injured pedestrian cannot drive due to his broken right leg.  Landscaping services such as cutting the grass are another example of out of pocket expenses the pedestrian incurs because of a broken leg.

Lastly, the pedestrian may recover pain and suffering damages.  There are two types of pain and suffering – physical pain and suffering and mental pain and suffering.  Physical pain includes pain and discomfort an injured pedestrian suffers due to the injury. Mental pain and suffering includes emotional distress, anxiety, depression and mental anguish.

Unlike medical expenses, lost wages and out of pocket expenses, pain and suffering damages cannot be proven via receipts, pay stubs and medical bills.  They are proven through the testimony of the pedestrian and testimony of family members or friends of how the injured pedestrian’s daily life has been affected. Pain and suffering damages are different for everyone and depend on the victim’s age, the extent of their injuries, the extent of their medical treatment and how their daily lives are affected.  For instance, a pedestrian suffers a broken ankle and requires surgery and physical therapy.  The pedestrian recovers from his injury within 6 months.  Compare this example to another pedestrian who suffers the same injury. However, the pedestrian suffers from complications and requires a second surgery. The pedestrian’s pain and suffering are greater in the second scenario than in the first scenario.

Help After a Philadelphia Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall Accident

If you or a loved one was injured in a slip, trip or fall accident at a public establishment in Philadelphia, call Namerow Law to schedule a free consultation. 215.985.0777