How common is paralysis after a slip-and-fall accident?

It is virtually impossible to meet your basic needs without visiting a grocery store. When you are in the produce section, though, you may slip on water from the store’s misting machine. While it is certainly possible to suffer a minor injury, catastrophic ones are not exactly rare in slip-and-fall accidents.

Paralysis is the partial or total loss of body functionality. If you suffer from fall-related paralysis, you may struggle to move your arms or legs. This fact may make it impossible to work, participate in everyday activities and enjoy recreational pursuits.

How does paralysis happen?

A person may develop paralysis after a serious injury or illness. In a slip-and-fall situation, though, spinal cord damage is a common cause of paralysis.

Your spinal cord delivers nerve signals from your brain to the rest of your body. While the vertebrae in your spine provide decent protection, a broken bone may nick or severe your spinal cord. If that happens, you may lose movement and sensation in parts of your body below the injury site.

How long does paralysis last?

Paralysis often occurs immediately after a spinal cord injury. Nevertheless, it may take hours or days for the symptoms of paralysis to appear. Consequently, after a slip-and-fall accident, you should visit the emergency room for a full examination.

If you have paralysis after slipping, tripping or falling, the condition may be either temporary or permanent. You may also eventually regain some movement and sensation, even if your paralysis never goes away completely.

Ultimately, the length of your paralysis depends on many factors. Therefore, after a spinal cord injury, you may need specialist or ongoing care to improve your chances of returning to your pre-injury condition.