Slip and fall accidents can seriously injure those involved. When height is a factor, the severity of an individual’s injuries resulting from the slip and fall accident may greatly increase. Sadly, this may leave an individual with long-term or even permanent disabilities. Elevated slip and fall accidents occur on elevated surfaces. These surfaces may include scaffolding, balconies, or even stairs. Many victims of elevated falls are construction workers, but any individual can suffer one of these injuries in a variety of circumstances.

Types of elevated falls leading to injury

Elevated falls refer to falls from a height, and they can occur in various settings. Here are some types of elevated falls:

1. Workplace Falls:
   • Falls from Heights: Occur in construction, maintenance, or other work settings where workers may fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or platforms.
   • Slips and Trips: Falls can also happen due to slipping on elevated surfaces or tripping over obstacles.
2. Construction Site Falls:
   • Roof Falls: Falls from roofs during construction or maintenance work.
   • Scaffold Falls: Falls from scaffolding structures used in construction projects.
3. Residential Falls:
   • Staircase Falls: Falls that occur on stairs within homes or other buildings.
   • Balcony Falls: Falls from balconies or elevated platforms in residential areas.
4. Outdoor Falls:
   • Cliff Falls: Falls from cliffs or elevated natural formations.
   • Tree Falls: Falls from trees during activities like tree climbing or pruning.
5. Recreational Falls:
   • Rock Climbing Falls: Falls that occur during rock climbing activities.
   • Zip Line Falls: Falls that can happen during zip-lining adventures.
6. Hospital Falls:
   • Patient Falls: Falls that occur within hospital settings, often involving patients falling from beds or other elevated surfaces.
7. General Public Falls:
   • Escalator Falls: Falls that can occur on escalators in public places.
   • Public Transportation Falls: Falls that may happen when boarding or disembarking from elevated transportation platforms.
8. Sports-related Falls:
   • Gymnastics Falls: Falls that occur during gymnastics routines.
   • Aerial Falls: Falls during activities like trapeze or aerial silks.

Elevated falls can result in serious injuries

It’s important to note that elevated falls can result in serious injuries, and preventive measures such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal protective equipment are crucial in minimizing the risk of such accidents.

When an elevated surface is slick, it may put individuals at a greater risk for an elevated fall. More commonly, though, the elevated structure may be structurally unstable, which means it may collapse and cause an individual to fall as a result. This can be particularly dangerous for several reasons. A structure that collapses may exert more force on an individual. In addition, pieces of the structure may land on top of the individual who falls, increasing his or her chances of suffering serious harm in the accident.

Rhode Island Slip and Fall Lawyer

Elevated falls can lead to various types of injuries depending on factors such as height, landing surface, and body position. Some common types of injuries resulting from elevated falls include:

1. Fractures and Broken Bones:
   • Falls from heights can cause fractures or breaks in bones, especially in the limbs or spine.
2. Head Injuries:
   • Falls can result in head injuries, ranging from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
3. Sprains and Strains:
   • Landing awkwardly can lead to sprains or strains in muscles, ligaments, or joints.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries:
   • Impact with the ground can cause injuries to soft tissues, such as bruises, cuts, and abrasions.
5. Spinal Cord Injuries:
   • Falls from significant heights may result in spinal cord injuries, affecting mobility and sensation.
6. Internal Injuries:
   • The impact of a fall can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
7. Dislocations:
   • Falls can sometimes lead to joint dislocations, where the bones are forced out of their normal positions.
8. Contusions:
   • Impact with a hard surface can cause contusions or bruises on the body.
9. Injuries to Extremities:
   • Falls may result in injuries to the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, or ankles.
10. Psychological Impact:
    • Beyond physical injuries, elevated falls can also have psychological effects, leading to fear of heights or post-traumatic stress.

Preventing elevated falls is crucial to avoid these injuries. Safety measures such as using appropriate fall protection equipment, securing work areas, and implementing proper training can help minimize the risk of falls from heights.

In many cases, individuals suffer elevated falls because of another person’s negligent actions. This may be an individual who failed to clean up a spill or an individual who failed to properly build or maintain a certain structure.Regardless of who is to blame, an individual who suffers an elevated fall may be entitled to financial compensation for his or her injuries. Since pursuing this compensation requires the individual to file legal action, individuals are advised to seek experienced legal help before their pursuit of compensation.