A Concussion From a Fall Can Be More Severe Than You Think

A slip and fall can happen instantly, with many people hitting their heads. Although you may get up and feel fine, you may have suffered a concussion, with the effects lasting much longer than you think. Concussions from falls are more than just a bump on the head. They’re a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can seriously impact your well-being, even if there’s no visible sign of damage.

Too often, people brush off their symptoms, assuming they’ll just “shake it off.” But without proper care, even a seemingly mild concussion can lead to long-term issues. With March as Brain Injury Awareness Month, if you’ve hit your head in a fall, learn why it should be taken seriously.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that happens when a sudden impact – like hitting your head in a fall – causes your brain to move inside your skull. This movement can lead to bruising, swelling, and chemical changes affecting your brain's function. Even if you don’t pass out or see any visible injuries, a concussion can still disrupt your memory, balance, and thinking.

Not all concussions are the same. They are classified into three grades based on severity:

• Grade 1 (mild): No loss of consciousness, and symptoms (like dizziness or confusion) last less than 15 minutes.
• Grade 2 (moderate): Still no loss of consciousness, but symptoms stick around for longer than 15 minutes.
• Grade 3 (severe): Involves loss of consciousness, even if it’s just for a few seconds. This type requires immediate medical attention.

The tricky thing about concussions is that symptoms don’t always show up right away. Some people feel fine at first, only to experience headaches, nausea, or trouble focusing hours or even days later. That’s why it’s so important to take any head injury seriously – because even a “mild” concussion can have long-term effects.

How falls cause concussions

Although anyone can fall by mistake, many cases of falls involve negligence. When property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, the risk of a concussion increases. Concussions from a fall can happen from the following incidents:

• Slipping on wet floors: Spills, freshly mopped surfaces, or even tracked-in rain can make floors dangerously slick. Businesses and property owners should put up warning signs and clean up hazards quickly. When they don’t, a hard fall can lead to serious head trauma.

• Tripping over hazards: Loose wires, uneven flooring, torn carpets, or cluttered walkways create trip hazards that can send someone crashing to the ground. If you hit your head on a hard surface like concrete or tile, the impact could cause a TBI.

• Falls on stairs: A poorly maintained staircase with broken steps, poor lighting, and loose or non-existent railings is a major fall risk. Losing balance on the stairs often results in a much harder impact, increasing the chances of a severe concussion.

• Icy or uneven sidewalks: Property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks safe. When they neglect to clear ice, fix cracks, or repair uneven pavement, pedestrians can easily slip or trip, often hitting their heads in the process.

When property owners fail to keep their premises safe, they should be held accountable. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer if you’ve suffered a concussion in a fall. An attorney can help advise you on your legal options, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you need to recover.

Don't settle for less than you deserve after a slip-and-fall concussion