What Are The Most Common Injuries Caused By Slipping On Ice?

Most people love to go out to ski, enjoy the outdoors, and marvel at the scenery during the winter season. However, if you are not careful, you may find yourself getting easily injured from slipping on the ice. Ice is the number one culprit for most people getting injured and greatly increases the risk of injury for those going out in winter.

A slip on the ice can cause a variety of injuries ranging from minor to severe and can include bruises, sprains, and concussions. Dangerous slips and falls can also result in various orthopedic injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries caused by slipping on ice.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The sharp impact of falling on the ice and falling on an outstretched limb such as a shoulder, knee, ankle, or elbow may result in a broken bone. The force of the impact may also result in a fracture and the outstretched limb bend abnormally. In such cases, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Cuts and Bruises

Cuts and bruises are pretty common, especially in minor falls. Bruises occur due to the bursting of tiny blood capillaries and when blood is trapped beneath the skin. This results in the dark color of the bruising. Cuts, abrasions, and grazes may also occur after a fall. These injuries may cause very little pain and you may not notice them even after slipping on the ice.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Slipping on ice can also result in traumatic brain injury whereby sudden trauma damages the brain. This can happen when the head hits an object violently or if an object punctures the skull. In this case, slipping on ice and hitting your head against the ice. Traumatic brain injuries are more serious than concussions and immediate medical attention should be rendered to the person who has suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Muscle Sprains

Muscle sprains can also occur after slipping and falling on ice. This results in damage to the muscle fibers when they are overstretched. Severe muscle strains from a fall may impair your day-to-day activities and require medical treatment while minor ones can heal naturally over time with proper home care and exercises.

Spinal Cord Injury

Slipping and falling on ice can injure your spinal cord. This injury can occur when there is direct injury to the spinal cord or damage to the bones and tissues that surround the spinal cord. The person injured should also receive immediate medical attention as spinal cord injuries may be life-threatening and may result in chronic pain, respiratory complications, and even death.

What to Do After an Injury

If your injury is serious and occurs due to another’s negligence, you can receive compensation for loss of income, pain, and suffering, and other hospitalization and medical expenses. This is especially if the injury results in long-term medical care and chronic pain. Make sure to document all the relevant medical bills and documents and reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney to ensure that you are well compensated.

Looking for a trusted personal injury lawyer in New York? Call our New York number: (212) 227-1212 or Long Island number: (516) 227-1212 to schedule a free consultation with us today.