Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, Attorney Michael W. Kopsick has the experience and dedication to help you pursue justice. Contact (847) 807-8695 today for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury in Illinois. Whether it happens at a grocery store, rental property, or restaurant, a single misstep can result in serious harm. If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions or another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

A seemingly routine day can take a painful and unexpected turn. One moment you’re walking through a public place or private property, and the next, you're dealing with physical pain, medical bills, and questions about who’s responsible.

At The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick, we’ve worked with victims across Illinois and understand how disruptive these incidents can be. From broken bones to long-term mobility issues, the effects of a fall can linger far beyond the initial impact. Our team is here to provide trusted legal guidance, clear answers, and relentless advocacy.

Following is a list of the most common injuries recorded from slip and fall accidents in Illinois.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

When you slip and fall, your head can strike the ground or a nearby object, causing a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

This can range from a mild concussion to severe brain damage. Even a “minor” head injury should not be taken lightly because symptoms can develop or worsen over time.

Common Signs of TBI

• Headaches or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
• Mood swings or irritability

If you suspect a TBI, seek medical attention immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to complications, even if you feel fine after an injury. Left untreated TBIs can result in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical issues. Always prioritize by getting examined by a healthcare professional.

Impact on Daily Life

A TBI can disrupt your ability to work, drive, or even perform basic tasks. You might find it hard to concentrate, leading to problems at your job or in your personal relationships. Emotional changes, such as depression or anxiety, are also common.

At The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick, we understand the emotional and financial toll a TBI can take. We help you explore legal avenues to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care needs. Our team ensures you have the support necessary to focus on your healing while we handle the legal steps.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A slip and fall can deliver a sudden jolt to your back or neck, risking a spinal cord injury (SCI). These injuries can be life-changing, especially if the spinal cord is fractured or compressed. Even less severe back injuries can linger, causing chronic pain and mobility issues.

Types of Spinal Cord Damage

• Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site.
• Incomplete Injury: Partial loss, with some movement or feeling still present.
• Herniated Discs: Not a direct spinal cord break, but can still cause immense pain and nerve problems.

Long-Term Consequences

• Limited Mobility: You may need a wheelchair or walking aid.
• Chronic Pain: Ongoing discomfort can interfere with your job and daily activities.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Home modifications or assisted living arrangements may become necessary.

These adjustments come with high financial and emotional costs. If you believe your slip and fall happened because someone failed to maintain a safe property, you may have legal recourse.

Our legal team can help you gather the evidence needed to show that a property owner or manager was negligent. That way, you stand a better chance of receiving compensation for the adjustments and medical treatments that a spinal cord injury demands.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are another frequent outcome of slip and fall accidents. The force of landing on a hard surface can fracture arms, wrists, hips, or ankles. Older adults are especially vulnerable, as bone density tends to decrease with age.

Signs You May Have a Fracture

• Swelling, bruising, or obvious bone displacement
• Extreme pain, especially when bearing weight
• Reduced ability to move the injured area
• Feeling or hearing a crack at the time of the fall

Recovery and Expenses

Broken bones often require:

• Casts or Splints: Standard treatment to keep the bone stable.
• Surgery: More complex fractures may need pins, screws, or plates.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation to regain strength and flexibility.

These treatments can add up quickly. You may also lose income if you cannot work during recovery. Beyond the medical bills, you could face costs like hiring help at home or modifying your vehicle to accommodate your temporary disability.

If your accident was caused by a property owner’s negligence, like a spill they failed to clean or a loose handrail they did not fix, you have a right to seek compensation for your losses. We handle all the legal details, from proving fault to negotiating settlements, so you can focus on getting well.

Soft Tissue Injuries

While not always as dramatic as a broken bone, soft tissue injuries can still be painful and debilitating. These include sprains, strains, and bruises in muscles, ligaments, or tendons. They can happen when you twist your ankle or overextend your arm trying to break a fall.

Common Soft Tissue Injuries

• Ankle Sprains: Rolling your ankle can result in tears to the ligaments, leading to pain and swelling.
• Wrist Sprains: Landing on an outstretched hand can strain or tear the ligaments.
• Pulled Muscles: A sudden jolt can pull or tear muscle fibers, causing stiffness and soreness.

Treatment and Recovery

• Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): Common first-line treatment for minor sprains and strains.
• Medical Evaluation: For moderate to severe injuries, a doctor might recommend braces, medication, or physical therapy.
• Follow-up Care: Soft tissue injuries can heal slowly, and failing to follow through with therapy can lead to lingering problems.

Even soft tissue injuries can prevent you from working or enjoying everyday activities for weeks or months. If these injuries occurred due to a property owner’s negligence, you should not have to pay those bills alone.

At The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick, we help you gather medical records, document your pain, and show how the injury has impacted your life. Our goal is to secure fair compensation so you are not left with financial burdens from someone else’s oversight.

Long-Term Effects of Slip and Fall Injuries

One of the most challenging aspects of a slip and fall accident is the long-term impact. While some injuries heal quickly, others may cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, or emotional distress that lingers for years.

Possible Ongoing Issues

• Chronic Pain: A back injury or TBI can result in persistent discomfort, requiring ongoing treatments.
• Emotional Trauma: Fear of falling again can lead to anxiety, affecting your confidence in daily tasks.
• Financial Strain: Ongoing medical appointments, therapy sessions, and missed work can all stack up over time.

Quality of Life Concerns

You may find it hard to participate in hobbies, family events, or social gatherings because of pain or mobility limitations. This can lead to isolation, depression, and a sense that life has changed forever.

At The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick, we consider these long-term effects when we build your case. We make sure to document not just your immediate medical costs but also the future expenses and lifestyle changes you may face. By taking a thorough approach, we aim to help you recover compensation that truly meets your ongoing needs.

Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Illinois

Slip and fall accidents are more common than people realize, especially in busy areas like Illinois. They can lead to serious injuries that require immediate medical attention, time away from work, and long-term therapy or care.

At our firm, you are more than just a client. Attorney Michael W. Kopsickwith has helped clients throughout the state in different types of slip and fall accidents, involving variants from icy sidewalks to unsafe stairwells.

For instance, one of our most notable results involves a man who slipped on an old staircase, which was covered in snow and ice, at his apartment. For the sustained leg injuries, we were able to fight for a $130,000 settlement.

Whether your injuries are big or small, you deserve to know your options and have someone in your corner. Contact The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick today at (847) 807-8695 for a free consultation.