Slipping and tripping may not seem like serious accidents. However, when they happen in hazardous conditions, victims often suffer significant injuries, including the potential for life-threatening outcomes.
After an accident at an Airbnb, make it a point to seek medical care. Take care of yourself first. Then, contact our slip and fall accident attorney in Philadelphia for guidance on what to do next.
Serious Injuries Related to Airbnb Slip and Falls
Consider that, in 2023, 47,026 people lost their lives in unintentional falls at work or home, which, according to the Injury Facts report from the National Safety Council, is the second most common cause of deaths from unintentional injuries.
A Philadelphia Airbnb trip and fall accident can cause numerous injuries for victims, depending on how they fall and the outcome. Consider a few examples.
Broken Bones
Falling from heights is a common cause of bone fractures. For example, if you fell from a balcony because there was no railing or it was loose, that could create crushing injuries and complex fractures. These are some of the most devastating of accident injuries.
Additionally, falling could lead to a broken wrist, fractures of the hips, or broken legs in more complicated cases. Some may require surgery or may lead to long-term impairment.
Head Injuries
Even if you trip over a rug, striking your head on a hard surface can create traumatic brain injuries. Head injuries can include fractures to the skull, punctures into the skull, and concussions, caused by the rapid force of the brain striking the interior of the skull.
Head injuries can cause confusion, pain, dizziness, and, in some people, cognitive function decline. Depending on the severity, you may need advanced treatment, or you could suffer ongoing losses such as complications from a stroke due to a blood clot.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Victims of trip and fall accidents may also suffer damage to the muscles, vertebrae, ligaments, and tissues in the back and the nerves of the spinal column. These nerves are very sensitive. Small fractures or damage to them can lead to partial or full paralysis. You may be unable to work, unable to walk, or may suffer complications from these injuries.
In cases where you do not have paralysis, you may suffer nerve damage that causes serious, chronic, and debilitating pain. Back pain can also be problematic even if your spinal column has no damage. This can be due to damage to the tissues and muscles in your lower back. Many people find that this causes serious discomfort and mobility challenges.
Shoulder Injuries
Depending on how you fall, you may strike your shoulder, causing damage to the joint or your upper arm. This may include dislocation of the shoulder joint as well as a torn rotator cuff. These damages limit your ability to move and use your arm. Though they often heal, you may need surgery or long-term therapy to reach a state of recovery.
Hip Fractures
Tripping over a step that has no markings or warnings can cause you to fall hard. You could break a hip. These fractures are among the most complex because healing takes a long time. For those who have chronic health conditions or those who are older, hip fractures are also highly risky for the development of blood clots and a decline in overall health due to limited mobility. Relearning how to walk is also complex.
Near Drowning Injuries
Falling into a swimming pool can be devastating. In situations where this occurs, and a person does not lose their life, they could be facing serious injuries as well as cognitive function decline if they were without oxygen for a long period of time. Unfortunately, this type of Airbnb accident is most common in children and those with disabilities.
Knee Injuries
Slip and fall accidents result in knee injuries rather commonly. This happens as a person falls and strikes their knees on sharp corners or edges, or falls with all of their weight on one or both knees. Joint damage, discoloration, and broken bones are very common. This is also a very painful and hard injury to recover from because of the limitations on walking and the need for ongoing therapy.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Anyone who slips on ice or slippery steps or falls going down slippery steps knows that soft tissue injuries can also be debilitating. Sprains and strains can mean you are unable to work or care for yourself for some time. In some more aggressive cases, you may be facing the need for surgery to repair the damage.
Seeking Legal Support After a Slip and Fall Accident at an Airbnb
For victims of a slip and fall accident at an Airbnb, proving that the property owner is at fault or that Airbnb put you at risk can be challenging. However, with the guidance of a Philadelphia Airbnb slip and fall lawyer, you will have better insight into your rights for fair compensation.
Our attorney at Kwartler Manus will review your case and determine what all of your injuries and related damages are. We fight for you to get fair treatment. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.