Complications of Injuries due to Falling Objects
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. Falling objects account for more injuries than many people realize and some of these injuries can be quite severe. While it might surprise people to hear that objects frequently fall from great heights, such as balconies, these objects build up a significant amount of speed and can cause serious injuries. There are several different reasons why objects might fall. One of the ways that objects can tumble from balconies, roofs, or windows is through the wind. If the objects are high in the air and the day is particularly breezy, this could knock objects off ledges where they can tumble onto someone below, potentially causing serious injuries. Objects can also fall from ledges merely because they were misplaced or unable to balance appropriately. It can also happen if someone intentionally throws an object out of a window or over the side. In this case, this may also lead to potentially catastrophic injuries. While many people don’t think about this as a potential source of injury on a daily basis, it is important not to overlook falling objects.
What Kind of Injuries Can Result?
There are many different injuries that someone might suffer from falling objects. A recent review article was published that discusses some of these injuries. They include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: One of the most common injuries is an injury to the head, such as a fractured skull, because the head is the highest point on a person’s body. Therefore, it is often the first site of impact when an object lands on an unsuspecting person walking the ground below. In addition to this unfortunate bone fracture, it may also lead to a traumatic brain injury.
- Shoulder Injuries: In addition to the head, the shoulders rest on either side of the skull and, therefore, make for easy targets for falling objects. Those who are struck on the shoulder by a falling object can sustain significant injuries that include a fracture or a dislocation of the joint. This can impact someone’s mobility down the road and may lead to a higher chance of developing arthritis.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Heavy objects can cause spinal cord damage. The spinal cord runs from the bottom of the skull down to the pelvis, making it a large target. Damage to any of the nerves leaving the spinal cord can result in significant deficits in both motor and sensory deficits.
These injuries can be severe and may lead to many different complications. First, damage to the brain or the spinal cord could lead to not only motor and sensory deficits but also to changes in mentation and personality as well. Depending on the part of the brain that is damaged, someone could lose the ability to see or perform daily activities. Consequences of damage to the spinal cord might make it difficult for people to coordinate their limbs, sense changes in temperature or pressure, or move their limbs at all.
Legal Help for a Full Investigation
When someone has suffered these types of injuries, a full investigation is warranted. It is unusual for someone to be struck by a random falling object. Often, these types of falling objects result from the carelessness or negligence of someone else. That’s why it is always a good idea to contact an experienced attorney who can conduct a full investigation. These injuries have the potential to be quite costly, particularly if surgery is required.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. Falling objects can cause permanent injuries. If you or a family member has sustained such injuries, call me for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
I’m a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
I encourage you to read about our verdicts and settlements.
You can see our past client reviews at Avvo, Yelp, and Google.
Photo by Juhasz Imre from Pexels
:dr cha [cs 665] cv