Imagine the moment when you lose control and start to fall. Your body instinctively reacts, releasing a surge of adrenaline and causing panic. As you plummet towards the ground, your muscles tense up, and your arms or legs extend, bracing for impact. But what really happens to your body when you fall? Let’s dive deeper into the physiological reactions that occur.
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The Chemical Reactions During a Fall
When your body experiences significant trauma from a fall, various chemical reactions take place to protect you from further suffering. The Nursing Times has highlighted some of these reactions:
- Reducing Nerve Sensitivity: Your nervous system overrides the sensitivity and activation of nerve endings to minimize the pain signals.
- Blocking Pain Signals: Organic opioids and neurotransmitters like noradrenaline, gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, and neurotensin are released to block the transfer of pain signals.
- Negotiating with Pain Signals: Specialized chemicals including serotonin, substance P, prostaglandin, bradykinin, and histamine are released to negotiate with pain signals and prevent their spread or exacerbation.
Serious Effects of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can have severe consequences, potentially resulting in permanent physical or mental disabilities. Beyond the physical toll, victims often face substantial medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Consider these alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- About 20% of falls cause serious injuries such as broken bones or head injuries.
- Slip and fall accidents account for over 95% of hip fractures.
- Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
- Each year, fall injuries send three million older adults to the emergency department.
- Fall injuries lead to more than 800,000 hospitalizations annually, often due to head injuries or hip fractures.
It’s clear that slipping and falling is no trivial matter. The consequences can be life-altering, ranging from irreversible brain damage to paralysis and even death.
Types of Negligence Leading to Slip and Fall Accidents
In most cases, slip and fall accidents occur due to negligence on the part of property owners, construction companies, and others. Various acts of negligence can contribute to such accidents, including:
- Improper or lack of railings.
- Defective products.
- Unattended garbage or spilled liquids.
- Floors recently mopped without warning signs.
- Unsteady floorboards.
- Loose cables or misplaced chairs.
- Failure to warn visitors about foreseeable dangers.
- Poorly maintained staircases.
- Nails sticking out from flooring, porches, staircases, or scaffolding.
- Slick surfaces from rain or snow.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries on Public Property
As a member of the general public, you may be eligible for compensation if you sustain injuries due to negligence while visiting a public property. However, your behavior and legal right to be on the property can impact your eligibility. Under Georgia law, property owners owe a duty of care to two categories of visitors:
- Invitees: Those directly or impliedly invited to the property, including visitors to public properties.
- Licensees: Acquaintances or friends of the property owner with a reasonable cause to visit, including professionals fulfilling their obligations.
If you fall under either of these categories and are injured on public property, you may have a valid claim for compensation.
To learn more about your legal options and receive a free consultation, contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today.
Georgia Slip and Fall Lawyers Ready to Fight for Your Case
Facing the aftermath of a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming. The experienced attorneys at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers have represented numerous slip and fall victims throughout Georgia. They understand the physical, mental, and financial toll that these accidents can inflict.
By documenting the extent of your suffering, Bader Scott Injury Lawyers aim to assign a monetary value to your case that truly reflects the pain you have endured. They will stand by you throughout the legal proceedings, whether negotiating settlements, gathering evidence, or representing your case at trial.
Remember, there is a two-year statute of limitations for slip and fall claims in Georgia according to O.C.G.A §9-3-33. Failing to file a claim within this timeframe may jeopardize your chances of recovering damages.
Don’t face your slip and fall case alone. Contact a representative from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 for your free consultation today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.
