A slip and fall might sound like a minor accident, but for many people, the consequences are anything but. Whether it occurs in a grocery store aisle, on a wet sidewalk, or in a poorly lit stairwell, a fall can result in painful injuries that disrupt everyday life.

In Maryland, property owners are required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If they fail to fix or warn about hazards and someone gets hurt, they may be held responsible. Let’s take a look at the types of injuries that can result from a fall and how to protect your rights if you’ve been injured on someone’s property. 

Head and Brain Injuries

One of the most serious outcomes of a slip and fall is a head injury. Even a short fall can result in a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially if the person hits their head on the ground or another object.

Symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Confusion or memory loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating

Some head injuries appear mild at first but worsen over time. That’s why it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor after any fall involving a head impact—even if you think you’re fine.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Falls are a leading cause of back injuries in Maryland and across the country. These can range from muscle strains to more serious conditions like herniated discs, vertebral fractures, or even spinal cord damage.

Depending on the severity, symptoms might include:

• Sharp or shooting pain
• Tingling or numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced mobility
• In severe cases, partial or complete paralysis

These types of injuries can be life-altering and may require surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care.

Broken Bones and Fractures

It’s common for people to instinctively reach out to catch themselves during a fall, which often leads to wrist, hand, or arm fractures. Other frequent fracture sites include:

• Hips (especially in older adults)
• Ankles
• Knees
• Ribs

Some fractures are straightforward and can be treated with a cast, while others require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. A broken bone can mean time off work, ongoing pain, and a long recovery process.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Not all injuries are immediately visible. Sprains, strains, and deep bruises are soft tissue injuries that can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility.

Examples include:

• Sprained ankles or knees
• Pulled muscles in the back or legs
• Ligament damage
• Deep contusions or hematomas

These injuries may not be visible on imaging scans but can still significantly interfere with daily life. Left untreated, they may lead to chronic pain or instability.

Cuts, Lacerations, and Facial Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can result in cuts, scrapes, or more severe lacerations, particularly if the scene features sharp edges or broken glass. If a person falls forward or backward onto a hard surface, facial injuries like broken teeth, jaw injuries, or a fractured nose may occur. These wounds can carry both physical and emotional consequences, especially when disfigurement or visible scarring is involved.

Emotional Trauma and Anxiety

Physical injuries are only part of the picture. After a serious fall, some people develop emotional distress, including anxiety about walking or using stairs, especially if the fall occurred in a familiar place. While emotional trauma is more complex to measure than a broken bone, it’s a very real part of the recovery process for many victims and may require counseling or therapy.

How McGowan & Cecil Can Help

If you were injured in a slip and fall caused by unsafe conditions, turn to McGowan & Cecil, LLC. We’ve represented clients across Maryland for decades and know how to build strong premises liability cases. Our team will:

• Investigate the cause of your fall
• Preserve evidence, including incident reports and surveillance footage
• Work with your medical providers to document your injuries
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Fight for compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Maryland Slip and Fall Attorneys

Slip and fall injuries can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, reach out to McGowan & Cecil for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Call today to get started.