Seattle Injury Lawyer Blog
Slipping on an icy sidewalk in Washington could result in a variety of injuries. A common injury is a muscle strain or sprain that is generally the result of an individual trying to catch him or herself. In most cases, these injuries can be treated by rest or by putting heat on the injured muscle. However, those experiencing severe pain are advised to see a doctor.
Those who feel tingling or weakness in their legs could be suffering from a herniated disc, an injury that commonly results from years of wear. Those who fall sufficiently hard enough on the ice could also sustain in such an injury. The good news is that this type of injury can be treated without the need for surgery. Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers may be enough to help overcome a herniated disc.
Tailbone and spinal cord injuries are also not out of the question after making hard contact with an icy surface. While tailbone injuries are painful, they rarely require anything other than rest to recover from. Those who experience tingling, loss of movement or numbness should not move. Instead, it is important to get medical help as soon as possible to lower the chances of paralysis resulting from a serious injury to the spinal cord itself.
Those who are injured as a result of an icy sidewalk may be able to file legal action. This may be the case if an individual is injured on another person’s property where icy conditions should have been taken care of to the best of the owner’s ability. A personal injury attorney may be able to help an injured person receive compensation for medical bills, long-term care costs and other costs related to the accident.
Source: The Christ Hospital Health Netwrok, “Slip and fall? Icy conditions increase your risk of back injuries“, November 22, 2014