Understanding Elbow Injuries That Result in Slip and Fall Accidents in Florida

People often slip and fall down at grocery stores due to spilled liquid. Also, people fall down the stairs because there is poor lighting or due to broken or missing handrails. Whatever the reason, slip and fall accidents occur frequently and cause victims many injuries. One type of slip and fall injury that this article will focus on is an injury to the elbow. A Fort Lauderdale slip and fall lawyer can help victims understand their legal rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain related to these incidents.

When people fall, they often try to brace themselves or catch themselves with their arms. As a result, the elbow and entire arm can experience quite a jolt when landing on the ground. Additionally, sometimes people fall on their outstretched arms, which causes trauma to the elbow.

Elbow Trauma from a Fall

In order to understand elbow injuries that result in slip and fall accidents, it is important to take a look at the elbow in general. The elbow joint has an essential job for the arm, as it allows a person’s arm to have range of motion between the upper and lower arm. The elbow is located between the radius and ulna of the forearm and the humerus bone of the upper arm. When it is injured due to trauma in a fall, it can limit a person’s mobility. If the fall occurred at a workplace, it may qualify as a slip and fall accident on the job, which means the injured worker could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in addition to medical care and time off work.

Elbow injuries as a result of slip and fall accidents can include:

• Elbow dislocations. This is often considered the most serious type of elbow injury. When an elbow is dislocated, it may look deformed. It will also cause immediate pain and lead to an instant loss in the range of motion. People who experience elbow dislocations will need to be sedated and undergo a procedure that will place the elbow joint back in alignment.
• Elbow fractures. When the radial bone in the elbow is broken during a slip and fall accident, the elbow will swell and bruise. A person with an elbow fracture will be in pain and may experience stiffness in the elbow and a loss in range of motion. When treated early enough, long-term complications, such as elbow stiffness, may be minimized. Fractures at work are among the most common injuries reported in workplace accidents and can qualify for workers’ compensation, especially when caused by hazards like slippery floors, poor lighting, or lack of safety equipment.

Complications of Elbow Injuries

Because sometimes an elbow fracture can occur in combination with an elbow dislocation, a person needs to seek immediate medical treatment. Once at the emergency room, x-rays will be taken to determine the extent of elbow trauma and a plan of treatment will be discussed. Typically, surgery will be required to repair a serious elbow fracture and elbow dislocation, followed by rest and physical therapy.

Unfortunately, many people experience chronic conditions of elbow injuries that can include stiffness in the elbow and loss of range of motion in the elbow. Additionally, some people have a hard time straightening their elbows following elbow trauma, such as a shattered elbow. When these situations occur, people may have to endure multiple surgeries, additional physical therapy, and more time off of work.

Victims who injure their elbows in slip and fall accidents might be unable to drive, work, and participate in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed due to the loss of elbow function. When people suffer losses such as these as a result of a property owner’s negligence, they should be compensated fully for their slip and fall injury and related damages. What a slip and fall settlement looks like will depend on several factors, including the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and how the injury has affected the person’s ability to function day-to-day.

If you are looking to get the compensation you need and deserve from a property owner or the insurance company, an experienced attorney can help. Find out more about your rights by speaking with the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at (954) 677-0155 in a free consultation today.