Injuries Caused by Neglected Parking Lots and Walkways
Pennsylvania property owners have a duty to keep their premises free of hazards, which includes repairing broken sidewalks, steps, and loose gravel. Injuries caused by a neglected parking lot or walkway can be serious, including spinal cord injuries, knee injuries, rotator cuff tears, hip fractures, and soft tissue injuries. If you have been injured while on another person’s property, you should speak with our Harrisburg slip and fall lawyers at HGSK Injury Lawyers.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A fall can cause damage to the spinal cord, which is the tubular nerve bundle that extends from the base of the skull to the tailbone. The location and extent of damage will determine the severity of your injury. Common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include numbness or tingling in the extremities, difficulty breathing, and loss of bladder/bowel control. If you suspect that you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it is important that you seek medical attention right away.
Knee Injuries
A knee injury can be caused by trying to catch your fall or by the force of impact. No matter what the cause, a knee injury can result in severe pain, swelling, and an inability to bear weight. Many knee injuries are treated with home remedies, including rest, ice, and elevating the leg. Severe tears may require surgical intervention.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. It is responsible for stabilizing the upper arm within the shoulder socket. Following your fall, if you are having difficulty or pain while raising your arm, shoulder swelling, or experience a dull throbbing ache within your shoulder, you may have sustained a rotator cuff injury. A minor injury may heal with rest, over-the-counter medications, and physical therapy. If there is no improvement with non-surgical treatments, you may need surgery.
Hip Fractures
Slipping on a cracked step or broken sidewalk can cause you to land on one side, resulting in a broken hip, also known as a hip fracture. In a recent year, 88% of ER visits for hip fractures were attributed to falls. Symptoms may present as severe pain in the hip or groin, swelling and/or bruising, and one leg appearing shorter than the other. Especially in older adults, hip fractures can result in long-term effects and permanent disability.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue comprises the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support our skeleton. A fall can cause strains, sprains, and contusions (bruising), which can impair mobility. Most soft tissue injuries improve in about six weeks with rest, ice, and pain medications. Unfortunately, the recovery time increases significantly for adults 65 years of age and over. These older adults often require several months of physical therapy and other targeted treatments.
Potential Damages
If you have been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Lost wages
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries and/or treatments
- Prescription costs
- Physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Humiliation
- Scarring and/or disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Our Harrisburg slip and fall attorneys can assess your case to determine what damages apply. We will assist in gathering the documentation you need to prove damages and calculate the amount owed to you. There is no substitute for competent representation.
Speak with Our Harrisburg Slip and Fall Attorneys Today
A slip and fall can rob you of time with loved ones in exchange for excruciating pain. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, we have devoted our professional lives to advocating for injured persons like yourself. With our legal team having over 400 years of combined experience, our success can be seen in many satisfied clients. To arrange a free consultation with one of our Harrisburg slip and fall lawyers, contact us online or by calling (267) 551-8782 today.