Slip & Fall Accident in Arvada: When You Suffer a Sprain or Strain

Sprains and strains are injuries to the soft tissues of the body, and are some of the most common injuries people sustain. They can occur as a result of sporting incidents, work injuries, physical altercations, and overuse, amongst other things. Slip and fall accidents can also cause sprains and strains, which often occur at work, in a store, at construction sites, and in public places around Aurora.

Below, we discuss the difference between the two types of injuries and what options victims have if their injuries were related to another party’s negligence.

The Difference between Sprains and Strains

The primary difference between these injuries is the specific type of body structure that’s injured.

• Strains: A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (the connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones).
• Sprains: A sprain is an injury to a ligament (the connective tissue that connects bone to bone).

Both strains and sprains can be extremely painful and debilitating, and are categorized according to the severity of the injury. While patients with mild cases may only have overstretched the ligaments, muscles, or tendons, in severe cases, there might be a complete tear or rip.

Slip & Fall Accident in Arvada: Treatment for Sprains and Strains

Initially, the R.I.C.E treatment regimen (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) may help reduce swelling and relieve symptoms. Ultimately though, the only real treatment for sprains and strains is time. Rest and patience assists the healing process.

It’s important to see a doctor if you’ve been in a slip and fall accident because your injuries should be evaluated. The doctor needs to determine the extent of the damage, rule out serious internal injuries, and provide you with treatments that can help you on the journey to healing.

In severe cases, the physician may need to use some of the treatments listed below.

• Immobilization
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Pain medication
• Anti-inflammatories

Recovery time varies. If the injury was relatively mild, it might take a few weeks for the structures to heal. In serious cases that require surgery, it might take six months or more to heal and regain mobility.

Slip & Fall Accident in Arvada: Seeking Compensation for Damages

Many slip and fall accidents can be attributed to somebody’s negligence. Perhaps an Aurora grocery store had boxes strewn about and you tripped over them. Or perhaps you tripped on an uneven carpet in a hotel.

If another party was responsible for your strain or sprain injury, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit. But be prepared for possible defenses to slip and fall cases, where defendants may try to deflect blame.

If you are eligible to file a claim, you might be able to be reimbursed not only for your medical bills to treat the injury, but also other losses, listed below.

• Lost wages
• Treatments, medications, and medical-related transportation costs
• Future rehabilitation
• Lost capacity to use the body part injured
• Pain and suffering

Speak with a Slip & Fall Accident Attorney in Arvada Today

If you suffered serious sprains or strains in a slip and fall accident in Aurora, call the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz. We can review your case and help you seek any compensation to which you’re entitled. Aurora residents can contact us at 303-300-5060 to set up their free, no-obligation consultation.