Slip and Fall Accidents on Staircases at Businesses Can Lead to Brain Injuries

According to a study that was recently published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, more than one million people suffer serious injuries due to slip and fall accidents on staircases. Even though people learn how to walk up and down the stairs at an early age, they are still a common hazard that catches many people by surprise every day. Those most at risk of suffering injuries on staircases include younger children and the elderly; however, emergency departments across the country treat people for sprains, strains, fractures, and bumps that are sustained on stairs every day. Furthermore, some emergency department physicians are noticing that the rate of injuries is increasing.

While there are numerous injuries that might take place on staircases, doctors have noted that one of the most serious injuries someone might suffer is a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury is diagnosed when a blow to the head causes either a temporary or permanent alteration in the brain’s ability to process information. This can take place following a slip and fall accident on the stairs. If someone slips as they are taking the stairs, they run the risk of striking the back of his or her head on the staircase. This can lead to a serious head injury such as a cerebral contusion, a skull fracture, or even a brain bleed. According to The May Firm, “Many people slip on spilled liquids, trip over wires and other obstructions” as they approach a staircase. This is how slip and fall accidents unfold.

If someone suffers a brain injury, the financial ramifications can be severe. Doctors across the country regularly order brain imaging, such as a CT scan or an MRI, to take a look at what is happening inside someone’s skull. Then, if a serious head injury is diagnosed, people might require emergency brain surgery to fix the problem. Then, after surgery has been completed, people might have to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) to ensure complications don’t develop following the operation. Finally, people might even require months of physical and occupational therapy to restore motor and sensory functions. It is easy to see how medical bills can mount quickly, leaving families wondering how they are going to make ends meet.

For this reason, it is important for everyone to use extreme caution when they take the stairs. Avoid staircases that look slippery or are covered in ice. Use railings when they are present. Furthermore, it is incumbent on business owners to make sure their stairs are safe for people to use. There should be railings present and any hazards should be marked. When everyone works together, the rate of slip and fall accidents on stairs cases can be reduced. Then, serious traumatic events, such as brain injuries, can be avoided.

Alex
 

Alex is a small business blogger with a focus on entrepreneurship and growth. With over 5 years of experience covering the startup and small business landscape, Alex has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, approachable and entrepreneurial-minded blogger. He has a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners, and is able to provide actionable advice and strategies for success. Alex has interviewed successful entrepreneurs, and covered major small business events such as the Small Business Expo and the Inc. 500|5000 conference. He is also a successful entrepreneur himself, having started and grown several small businesses in different industries.