Some slip-and-fall injuries are obvious and impossible to ignore. A person with a laceration on their scalp may bleed profusely, making it clear that they need stitches as soon as possible. People who break bones may have severe pain that they cannot ignore.
However, people with potentially life-altering injuries sometimes leave the store or business where they experienced a slip-and-fall without reporting the matter. They may not seek out medical attention either. They fail to recognize the warning signs of a potentially severe injury until their condition worsens. At such point, they may have a difficult time pursuing compensation from the business where they fell. If people black out or lose consciousness during or immediately after a slip-and-fall, that is a clear indicator of a potentially severe injury.
Passing out isn’t typically spontaneous
Unless an individual has an underlying medical condition that may respond to the intense stress they experience in a slip-and-fall, a loss of consciousness is a major red flag for a potential injury. People generally don’t faint or black out without cause.
Instead, a sudden and short-term loss of consciousness is often indicative of damage to the brain. People who sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may pass out for a few seconds. They may then go several days without noticing any serious symptoms.
By the time they see a doctor, the pressure on their brain may have increased significantly, producing new and worsening symptoms. Their prognosis may be worse as well.
How to handle a slip-and-fall
People who fall in public locations generally need to report the matter to management before leaving the store or business. If they black out or have other warning signs of injuries, they should see a medical professional as soon as they reasonably can to diagnose or rule out major injuries.
If they have injuries, they may need support as they communicate with the business and possibly an insurance company. Brain injuries can trigger tens of thousands of dollars or more in medical expenses. They can force people to miss work and they leave them incapable of continuing their career development.
Pursuing a premises liability claim after a slip-and-fall incident can help people recoup the losses caused by unsafe property conditions. Brain injuries are among the worst possible injuries that people might sustain if they slip and fall.