Victims of slip-and-fall accidents in Tennessee might not immediately realize the extent of their injuries and the long-term consequences they might suffer. Although property owners must provide safe premises for shoppers or other visitors, many of them will deny negligence if they have to face a personal injury claim. A thorough medical examination is crucial after such an incident to ensure that future medical expenses are included in documented claims.
Back injuries can cause years of pain and suffering, and most fall accidents cause injuries to the victim’s back. However, the direction of the falls will affect the type of back damage a victim suffers. When a slippery surface triggers a fall, the victim typically falls backward, while a trip incident on an uneven or damaged walkway or pavement usually causes a forward fall.
Typical fall injuries to the back cause spinal damage. It could involve dislocated or broken bones in the spine, and in some cases, the spinal cord is damaged. When discs are herniated, nerves are compressed, causing pain, tingling, numbness and weakness. When the spinal column is damaged, treatment often includes surgery. Falls can also cause injuries to the soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and muscles, and these injuries can be treated non-surgically with methods like physical therapy.
Because any of these injuries can cause long-term health problems, prompt medical evaluations and diagnoses are essential. While that will allow the immediate start of the necessary treatment, it will also give the physician a better idea of potential future medical needs. An experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney can use medical reports along with evidence of negligence by the property owner to pursue full and fair financial relief for the injured client through a civil lawsuit.