A slip, trip or fall seems small — but they can have serious consequences. Falls may result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), leaving victims with life-altering challenges. For many, a TBI lawsuit is a crucial step in securing support and moving forward. In this blog, our traumatic brain injury lawyers near you explore how slips and falls lead to TBIs and how you can reach recovery.

The Cause of a Slip & Fall

Slip and falls are one of the most prevalent premises liability cases a St. Louis slip and fall attorney will see. These incidents occur when a person slips, trips or falls due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property — causing a lasting injury.

Common causes include:

• Wet floors. Spills, leaks and residual mop water reduce friction and may cause unsuspecting pedestrians to fall.
• Weather conditions. Rain, snow or ice may make outdoor surfaces, such as sidewalks, slick unless properly treated.
• Uneven surfaces. Cracked sidewalks, loose floorboards, torn carpets and damaged parking lots may disrupt a person’s balance.
• Obstructions. Items left on walkways, unsecured mats or exposed cords may catch a person’s foot when walking.
• Lack of handrails. Missing or broken handrails may reduce a person’s stability in stairwells or ramps.
• Insufficient lighting. Dim or broken lights in stairwells, hallways or parking garages may make it difficult for pedestrians to see obstacles before it’s too late.

The Connection to TBIs

Slip and fall accidents can result in a number of injuries. Some cases involve broken bones, sprains or strains. Though those injuries are also eligible for legal action, our traumatic brain injury lawyers focus on cases involving severe head trauma.

TBIs can occur when an individual’s head strikes a hard surface, such as a floor or countertop. The force of the impact is transferred to the brain tissue, causing it to strike the inside of the skull. Typically, a fall of this nature will cause bruising, tearing and bleeding.

The Impact of TBIs

A TBI lawsuit may involve a range of injuries, from moderate to severe. Mild TBIs are often temporary, meaning that victims may return to a normal state after a period of rehabilitation. However, more severe incidents leave victims with lifelong challenges.

Each of the brain’s regions controls different functions. As such, specific symptoms will depend on the area and extent of damage. Generally speaking, TBIs have been known to impact:

• Cognition. Damage to the brain may cause issues related to memory, concentration, problem-solving and decision-making.
• Emotion. Brain damage may increase your risk for depression, anxiety, mood swings and emotional instability. In some cases, TBIs change a person’s personality entirely.
• Mobility. Damage to the brain may cause muscle weakness, paralysis, spasticity and impaired balance.
• Long-Term Health. Researchers have linked TBIs to the development of neurodegenerative and endocrine disorders in the future.

Ultimately, TBIs impact a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships and participate in daily life. These injuries require costly medical and therapeutic intervention — placing an unfair strain on both the victim and their family.

The Basis of a TBI Lawsuit

Slip and fall cases are based on premises liability law. To secure compensation in your TBI lawsuit, you must have evidence that the:

• The property owner owed you a duty of care.
• The property owner breached, or failed to meet, that duty of care.
• You suffered an injury.
• Your injury was caused by the property owner’s failure.

Proving each of these elements requires concrete evidence such as surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance records and witness statements. A St. Louis slip and fall attorney will help build a watertight case with available evidence and take it all the way to court.

The First Step

The first step toward justice is calling an attorney you trust. Roman & Boock has an experienced team of traumatic brain injury lawyers near you that offers free, no-obligation consultations.

Contact us online or at 314.754.1500 to start your TBI lawsuit today.