--- title: Slips and Falls | SpinalCord.com description: ‘Slips and falls’ are among the largest causes of spinal cord injuries, second only to vehicular accidents, comprising nearly 30 percent of incidents. --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/our-team) - 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It’s likely that one of these needs to be proven for your injury claim to have a legal basis. [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ### See What They Can Do For You [ Louis Tontodonato's Story ](https://www.swoperodante.com/videos/) > “What made me most excited was to be able to help my family, being able to pull the burden out of them that they’ve been struggling with. That’s what made me feel the best. Everything else to come, is to come. And we’re going to live life how we have been, just not going to have to worry about buying the supplies that I need.” [ Todd Cabral's Story ](https://www.swoperodante.com/videos/) > "As I got better, which I did in the future, I think I remember researching them [Swope, Rodante P.A.] myself and found that they are very good at what they do. " [ What Makes Swope, Rodante P.A. Different ](https://www.swoperodante.com/videos/) Hear from actual clients that Swope, Rodante P.A. has helped, along with the attorneys who have fought for these clients. [Speak to an Expert: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) - [Selecting a Law Firm](https://www.spinalcord.com/slips-and-falls#selecting-a-law-firm) - [Catastrophic Injury Attorneys](https://www.spinalcord.com/slips-and-falls#selecting-a-law-firm) - [Get Legal Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/slips-and-falls#get-legal-advice) Author: [Spinalcord.com Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: Nov 04, 2020 - [Legal Options](https://www.spinalcord.com/legal-considerations-for-common-types-of-brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries) - Legal Considerations - Slips and Falls After a spinal cord injury or brain injury, [life often is never the same](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/living-with-spinal-cord-nerve-damage-life-after-the-accident) for those who suffer such an incident. Yet, [approximately 250,000 people](http://www.sci-info-pages.com/facts.html) are currently facing the harsh reality of this situation. While it may be easy to imagine that something like this could never happen to you, the eye-opening truth is that the most common causes of spinal cord and brain injuries are scenarios which we could all easily find ourselves in every single day. Slips and falls may represent the very definition of what could happen when an ordinary moment turns devastating. In fact, slips and falls are among the largest causes of spinal cord injuries -- [second only to vehicular accidents](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/5-causes-of-spinal-cord-injury-that-could-lead-to-legal-action) -- and comprise nearly 30 percent of incidents. Yet, even if you or someone you care about has fallen victim to a spinal cord or brain injury from a slip-and-fall situation, there may still be an opportunity for justice to be served. ## Ascertaining Blame Of course, the first step in identifying whether you may have a valid lawsuit on your hands is to assess who may be to blame. To successfully lay a claim, your case needs to demonstrate that another person is responsible for the injury you’ve suffered. The vast majority of personal injury suits can be attributed to one of two major causes: [negligence](https://www.nolo.com/dictionary/negligence-term.html) and [defective products](http://definitions.uslegal.com/d/defective-product/). The former refers to cases when an individual’s actions directly led to the injury occurring. An example of negligence could be any dangerous condition involving a spill, collected water, broken container or any other slippery substance or debris that was left unattended. While a spill of some kind is often the culprit of a slip-and-fall incident, any obstruction could lead to an injury. Negligent action can be identified as the cause when a person has a duty or other responsibility that fails to get carried out or completed properly. When defective products are involved, the fault stems from a manufacturing or design flaw in a product, which then creates the environment that causes the slip and fall. In some instances, such an incident may be the result of an item that leaked or a defective ladder that failed to withstand the weight it was built for. In any case, defective products can have dangerous consequences, leaving the manufacturers and others open to blame for any injuries that incurred as a result. ## Types of Injuries Just as slips and falls have a wide variety of causes behind them, it’s important to understand the [different kinds of injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/the-most-common-slip-and-fall-injuries) that can occur during a slip and fall, often resulting in severe damage to the nervous system and other parts of the body. In addition to the below, be wary of broken bones, cuts and abrasions, since they are known to be indicators of greater damage in the surrounding areas. - [Head injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-acquired-brain-injury): The danger in this type of injury is that the internal damage may not be readily visible. Sometimes, swelling, bleeding or even loss of consciousness can occur, but actually, any head injury needs to be tended to immediately, especially since a doctor’s visit provides documentation aiding any potential lawsuit that may result. Traumatic brain injuries, concussions and other conditions can do lasting damage that impair your bodily functions indefinitely. Don’t shrug off any head injuries, or you may regret it. - [Spinal cord injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury): Seeing as the spinal cord is a cornerstone of the body’s nervous system, it should be no surprise that it doesn’t take much direct damage to cause extensive long-term ramifications. Whether it is severed or compressed, the spinal cord is among the most expensive parts of the body [to treat](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-spinal-cord-injury-treatment), and the closer the damage is to the brain, the more severe it tends to be. - Soft tissue injuries: Like head injuries, these aren’t outwardly visible. In fact, because of that fact, patients suffering from soft tissue damage may not even know they’re affected until much later. The extent of these injuries can range dramatically from minor sprains to tears that cause significant damage to tendons and ligaments. Only a doctor can determine whether your fall led to any soft tissue injuries. ## Don’t Delay Action Slips and falls can be incredibly damaging to the nervous system as well as to the emotional state of those affected. However, thankfully, there is a way for those suffering to seek assistance with the aftermath of such an incident. After all, the overwhelming medical costs associated with spinal cord and brain injuries can be crippling to any family, and since it’s difficult to confirm if another party truly is to blame (as it depends on the level of care owed to the other party), you need to reach out to seize any possible opportunity to receive some much-needed relief. But you have to act fast. Research shows that how soon a patient with a spinal cord injury [begins rehabilitation](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/swift-spinal-cord-injury-rehabilitation-improves-outcomes) and treatment has a tremendous impact on the effectiveness of recovery. Moreover, the legal statute of limitation varies across the nation, and your window of opportunity may be closing fast. If you or someone you know has suffered a spinal cord or brain injury from a recent slip and fall, [reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer). ## Other Types of Injuries - Legal Considerations - [Car Accidents](https://www.spinalcord.com/car-accidents) - [Contact Sports](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-sports) - [Acts of Violence](https://www.spinalcord.com/acts-of-violence) - [Workplace Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/workplace-injuries) - [Slips and Falls](https://www.spinalcord.com/slips-and-falls) - [Contusions](https://www.spinalcord.com/contusions) - Legal Assistance - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [When To Get A Lawyer - eBook](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer) - [Speak To A Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) - [How to File a Personal Injury Claim](https://www.spinalcord.com/how-to-file-a-personal-injury-claim-for-a-brain-or-spinal-cord-injury) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Protecting an Accident Crime Scene](https://www.spinalcord.com/protecting-an-accident-crime-scene) - Financial Resources - [Financial Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/financial-resources) - [Grants](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-grants) - [Compensation](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-compensation) - [Brain & SCI Medical Expenses](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-medical-expenses) - [Money Management Tips](https://www.spinalcord.com/money-management-tips) - [Life Care Plan](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-life-care-plan) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. 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