Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Published on: November 4, 2024

Slip and fall accidents are common causes of injuries, often harming the upper extremities. When people fall, they instinctively extend their arms to absorb the impact.

While this action can protect the head or back from more severe injuries, it frequently leads to broken hands, fingers, and wrists after a slip and fall. Although these injuries may not seem as serious as head trauma or spinal cord damage, they can still cause chronic pain and restrict mobility.

Discover the different types of wrist, hand, and finger injuries that can result from slips and falls and how the experienced personal injury attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can assist you in seeking compensation.

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident occurs when a person loses their balance due to a hazardous condition, resulting in a fall that can cause injuries. These accidents can happen in grocery stores, parking lots, or public sidewalks due to uneven surfaces, wet floors, or inadequate lighting.

Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises in safe condition. If they fail to address known hazards, they may be liable for injuries such as broken hands, fingers, and wrists resulting from a slip and fall.

How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents account for more than one million emergency room visits each year in the U.S. They are also a major contributor to workplace injuries, with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reporting that slips, trips, and falls are the second most common cause of workplace accidents. Between 20% and 30% of these falls lead to injuries like broken bones, concussions, or severe bruising.

These types of accidents are also responsible for workers’ compensation claims and missed days from work. Around 22% of workers require 31 days away from work to recover after a slip and fall.

Common Hand and Wrist Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

Broken hands, fingers, and wrists after slip and falls are common due to the delicate and complex structure of these extremities. Made up of a network of bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, they are vulnerable to injury during a fall. Some of the most frequent injuries include:

Wrist Fractures

The wrist consists of eight small bones arranged in two rows. A fall onto an outstretched hand (referred to as a FOOSH injury) can cause fractures in these bones, leading to severe pain and loss of mobility. Typical wrist fractures include:

• Scaphoid fracture. This is a break in one of the small wrist bones near the thumb’s base. Scaphoid fractures often require a cast, and in severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the damage.
• Colles fracture. A Colles fracture occurs when the radius (one of the two long bones in the forearm) breaks just above the wrist. This type of fracture often requires surgery and the insertion of screws or plates to stabilize the bone.
• Avulsion fracture. In this type of fracture, a piece of bone is pulled away from the main bone by a ligament or tendon. These injuries are painful and often require surgery.

Hand Fractures

The human hand contains 19 bones, which can be fractured during a fall. If not treated promptly, the following fractures can lead to pain, swelling, and long-term complications:

• Metacarpal fractures. These fractures involve the long bones connecting the wrist to the fingers, often affecting grip strength and finger alignment. 
• Boxer’s fracture. A break in the neck of the fifth metacarpal (near the pinky knuckle), common in falls or impacts, can cause pain and visible deformity. 
• Proximal phalangeal fracture. Breaks in the bone segments near the knuckles can restrict finger mobility and require splinting or surgical correction.

Finger Injuries

Sprains, fractures, and dislocations can happen when trying to catch yourself during a slip. Finger injuries include:

• Sprains. These occur when ligaments are overstretched, often causing pain, swelling, and limited movement in the injured finger. 
• Fractures. Finger bones can break or crack under pressure. A fractured middle finger, index finger, or thumb can impact hand functionality and require immobilization or surgery. 
• Dislocations. Joints can be forced out of position during impact, especially in the middle and ring fingers, leading to pain and visible deformity until realigned. 
• Tendon injuries. Tendons can tear or rupture, especially in the thumb and index finger, limiting grip strength and movement. “jersey finger” is one example of a tendon detaching from the bone. 
• Avulsions. When skin or tissue is torn away due to impact, this injury may also affect underlying structures and requires careful treatment to avoid infection and aid healing.

Wrist Sprains

A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are stretched beyond their limits or torn during a fall. While some wrist sprains can heal with rest and physical therapy, severe sprains may require surgery to repair the damage. In some cases, a wrist sprain can also result in an avulsion fracture, where the ligament pulls a piece of bone away.

Long-Term Consequences of Hand, Finger, and Wrist Injuries

While some slip and fall injuries may heal within a few weeks or months, others can have long-lasting effects that impact your ability to work and enjoy daily activities. Hand and wrist injuries can be debilitating due to the complex anatomy of these areas.

For example, a wrist fracture that does not heal properly can lead to chronic pain and limited range of motion, affecting your ability to perform simple tasks like eating or dressing. A fractured finger that heals improperly can permanently lose grip strength or flexibility, making it challenging to perform job-related tasks.

Hand and wrist injuries can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, leading to more severe pain and loss of function. Untreated or improperly treated injuries can result in long-term complications such as soft tissue damage or nerve damage, which may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

The long-term impact of these injuries, such as chronic pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, can lead to emotional distress and prevent you from enjoying hobbies or physical activities. In severe instances, permanent disability may result, affecting your independence and overall quality of life.

Seeking Medical Attention After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you suffer a hand, finger, or wrist injury in a slip and fall accident, seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor initially, the human body can mask pain, and the full extent of the damage may not be apparent until later. Early treatment is essential for proper healing and to prevent long-term complications.

Medical professionals will conduct diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to assess the severity of your injuries. These tests help determine whether you need treatments like casting, splinting, or surgery to realign bones or repair damaged tissue.

Seeking medical attention immediately establishes a record that links your injury to the slip and fall accident. This can be invaluable when seeking compensation in a slip and fall broken wrist settlement.

How To Handle a Slip and Fall Injury

After a slip and fall accident, take the proper steps to safeguard your health and protect your legal rights:

• Seek medical treatment. Get medical attention after the accident and follow your doctor’s treatment plan, including any prescribed medication or physical therapy. Keep all medical records as evidence for your claim. If you’re pursuing workers’ compensation, avoid returning to work until your doctor approves it—going back too soon could impact your recovery and claim. 
• Document the incident. Take photographs of the scene where the accident occurred, including hazards like wet floors, uneven pavement, or debris that contributed to your fall. If there were witnesses, get their contact information so your attorney can contact them for a statement. 
• Notify the property owner. If your fall occurred on someone else’s property, report the accident to the owner or manager. This creates a record of the incident, which may be necessary for your case. If it occurred at work, follow the protocol for reporting accidents. 
• Keep records. Keep detailed records, including medical bills, therapy notes, doctor’s reports, and any accident-related correspondence. These documents demonstrate the extent of your injuries and financial losses, supporting your claim for fair compensation. 
• Consult a slip and fall lawyer. Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, contact a slip and fall attorney to discuss your case. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Compensation for Hand, Finger, and Wrist Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

You may be eligible for compensation for hand, finger, or wrist injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident, which may include:

• Medical expenses. This includes emergency care, X-rays, surgeries to repair fractures, physical therapy for regaining hand or wrist function, and specialized treatments like splints or casts. 
• Lost wages. If your injury restricts the use of your hands and prevents you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income during your recovery period. 
• Pain and suffering. Accounts for the physical pain, reduced dexterity, and emotional impact caused by limited hand or wrist mobility. 
• Future medical care. Severe injuries may require continued therapy, surgeries for long-term mobility, or assistive devices, all covered under future medical expenses.

Workers’ Compensation for On-the-Job Slip and Fall Accidents

Individuals injured in a slip and fall while on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This provides financial support to injured employees while performing their work duties. Workers’ compensation typically covers:

• Medical bills. Covers all necessary treatments, including doctor visits, surgeries, and physical therapy directly related to the injury. 
• Lost wages. Provides up to 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage while you’re unable to work, calculated based on Michigan’s wage replacement guidelines. 
• Disability benefits. If the injury results in a temporary or permanent disability, workers’ compensation may provide benefits based on the severity and duration of your impairment.

Filing a workers’ compensation doesn’t require proving fault. However, you may still benefit from consulting a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to and explore other possible claims if negligence is involved.

How Cochran, Kroll & Associates Can Help

At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we know how hand, finger, or wrist injuries can impact your quality of life. With senior partner Eileen Kroll’s dual expertise in law and medicine, she brings a compassionate approach to each case, fully understanding our clients’ legal and medical challenges.

Our skilled personal injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate the details of your slip and fall accident to secure the compensation you deserve. We’ll gather medical records, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to build a strong case.

Secure Your Recovery and Legal Rights After a Slip and Fall Injury

Falling on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions can result in serious injuries. Broken hands, fingers, and wrists after slip and falls can impact your ability to work and perform everyday tasks.

If you’ve suffered a hand or wrist injury in a slip and fall, turn to the skilled attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW (1-866-642-4529) and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.