Recovering Compensation for Catastrophic Fall Injuries in Illinois

 Posted on June 22, 2021 in Catastrophic Injuries

Compared to something like a car accident, a fall may not seem likely to cause severe injuries. Certainly, many people are able to escape from a fall with no injuries or only minor scrapes, bruises, and sprains. However, there are times when fall injuries can have much more serious consequences, sometimes affecting a person for the rest of their life. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic, life-altering injury in a fall, an experienced personal injury attorney may be able to help you recover substantial compensation.

Common Factors in Severe Fall Injuries

Depending on how a person lands, any fall could result in serious injuries. However, severe injuries tend to be more common in situations involving:

• Falls from heights - The greater the distance of the fall, the greater potential there is for a catastrophic injury. Serious injuries are common when a person falls down stairs, from an upper story of a building, or from a ladder or scaffolding on a work site.
• Older injury victims - Even a simple slip and fall can lead to serious injuries for an elderly person because of their reduced muscle and bone strength, and those who do suffer injuries often take much longer to recover.

Some catastrophic injuries that may result from a fall include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) - Striking your head in a fall can cause a severe concussion or skull fracture, possibly resulting in permanent brain damage. According to the CDC, falls are actually the leading cause of TBIs in the U.S.
• Spinal cord injuries - The Mayo Clinic reports that nearly a third of all spinal cord injuries are caused by falls. Spinal cord damage can result in decreased mobility, impaired bodily functions, and paralysis.
• Broken bones - Hip fractures are one of the most common bone breaks in fall injuries, especially among older people. Broken bones in the arms or legs are also possible. Recovery complications can sometimes lead to permanently reduced mobility.

Pursuing an Injury Claim

In many cases, a fall injury happens due to someone else’s negligence. If you have been injured, you should work with a lawyer to better understand the circumstances of the fall and identify any at-fault parties. Depending on how and where your injuries occurred, negligent parties could include the owner of the property where you fell, a negligent third-party on a construction site, or the neglectful staff of a nursing home. Given the severity of catastrophic fall injuries, you may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact a Cook County Catastrophic Injury Attorney

At Schwartz Injury Law, we understand the pain, stress, and inconvenience that catastrophic injuries cause. We can help you pursue fair compensation through a settlement or trial to offset some of the negative effects of your injuries. Call our Orland Park personal injury lawyers today at 708-888-2160 to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57

https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890