In Virginia, thousands of emergency department visits and hospitalizations each year stem from falls, with a significant number leading to long-term disability or even death. In fact, according to the Virginia Department of Health, unintentional falls remain a leading cause of injury-related fatalities in adults aged 65+. For working-age adults, falls on slick or uneven surfaces also account for a large share of lost workdays and long-term complications, particularly when spinal or head trauma occurs.
Knowing what types of injuries are most common can help you better understand your legal rights and what kind of compensation may be available if a fall occurs on unsafe premises. In this article, our slip and fall accident lawyers examine the typical injuries we’ve seen in our clients’ cases.
What Are Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents in Virginia?
Slip and fall injuries vary widely in severity depending on the person, location, and how the fall occurred. But certain types of injuries appear frequently in both emergency room records and personal injury claims.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most devastating outcomes of a fall. A sudden blow to the head—whether from falling backward on concrete or down stairs—can lead to concussions, skull fractures, or internal bleeding. Symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, and headaches may not appear immediately but can persist for months or years.
In older adults, traumatic brain injuries can have devastating consequences, often leading to fatal outcomes or severe cognitive decline that affects memory, decision-making abilities, and overall quality of life. For younger victims, even a seemingly minor concussion from a fall can cause long-lasting effects that disrupt their ability to work, concentrate in school, or maintain daily activities, potentially impacting their careers and personal development for years. All of these consequences must be considered in your claim if a TBI arose from a fall at a dangerous location.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Broken bones are among the most frequently reported injuries in fall-related ER visits. Common fractures include:
- Wrist fractures from trying to brace for the fall
- Ankle sprains or breaks from twisting while slipping
- Hip fractures, especially dangerous in older adults
- Arm or shoulder fractures from landing on one side
According to the CDC, 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls, and more than one-third of those hospitalized do not return to independent living.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Spinal injuries from falls can range from slipped discs and chronic lower back pain to more severe conditions like vertebral fractures or nerve damage. A fall that compresses or twists the spine may lead to paralysis or long-term mobility limitations. Even minor back injuries can interfere with your ability to work, lift, or drive.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue damage includes sprains, strains, bruises, and ligament tears. These injuries may seem mild initially, but many result in ongoing pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, a simple ankle sprain can develop into a chronic condition requiring physical therapy or surgery.
These injuries are often dismissed by insurers, making it even more important to document them thoroughly and seek prompt medical attention.
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Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Most Often Happen?
Falls can happen anywhere, but some locations are more prone to hazardous conditions. According to workplace injury data and premises liability trends in Virginia, these are the top areas where slip and falls occur.
Commercial Properties (Stores, Restaurants, Malls)
Retail spaces are legally required to maintain safe premises under Virginia’s premises liability laws. Yet, slick floors, spilled liquids, cluttered aisles, and poor lighting frequently lead to customer injuries. Lack of warning signs, such as “wet floor” markers, is one of the most common violations in these cases.
Residential Areas and Private Property
Falls on rental properties or residential sidewalks often stem from icy surfaces, broken stairs, loose carpeting, or poorly maintained porches. Landlords have a duty to address known hazards. Homeowners may also be liable if they invite guests onto unsafe property.
Public Spaces (Sidewalks, Parks, Government Buildings)
Public slip and falls, such as tripping on a sidewalk crack outside a courthouse or slipping in a city-maintained building, require swift legal action. When the at-fault party is a government agency, you must file notice within six months under Virginia Code § 8.01-195.6.
Understanding where your fall happened is essential for determining who is liable, but not all accidents are considered a result of negligence. You’ll need a skilled legal advocate who can prove that negligence and inadequate security led to your injuries.
Injured on Someone Else’s Property? Your Rights After a Virginia Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall cases fall under Virginia’s premises liability laws, which hold property owners accountable when they fail to maintain safe conditions. However, asserting your rights as an injured victim requires a clear understanding of the legal duties owed by the property owner and how Virginia’s strict negligence laws can affect your case.
Property Owners’ Duty of Care
Under Virginia law, property owners and occupiers owe a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for lawful visitors. This includes customers at a store, guests at a private residence, or tenants in a rental property. To succeed in a slip and fall claim, you must show that:
- The hazard was known or should have been known by the owner.
- The owner failed to repair the hazard or warn you about it.
- This failure directly caused your injuries.
If the property owner breached their duty of care, they can be held liable for the resulting damages.
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What Compensation Is Available After a Slip and Fall Injury?
Under Virginia law, you may be entitled to compensation if your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Your potential recovery depends on both the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Here are the types of damages typically available in slip and fall claims:
Economic Damages
These include tangible financial losses such as:
- Emergency medical bills
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and medications
- Physical therapy and long-term care
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
You may also recover compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Potential Punitive Damages
In rare but egregious cases, where the property owner’s behavior shows reckless disregard for safety, such as ignoring repeated warnings about a known hazard, punitive damages may be awarded to punish and deter similar conduct.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Virginia?
Virginia’s strict statute of limitations means you must take immediate action to have a chance at compensation after a slip and fall injury.
Statute of Limitations: 2 Years from the Date of the Injury
Under Va. Code § 8.01-243, personal injury lawsuits in Virginia must be filed within two years of the date the accident occurred. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
Special Cases: Claims Against Government Entities
If your injury occurred on public property, such as a city-owned sidewalk or courthouse, different rules apply. You must file a notice of claim within six months, according to Va. Code § 8.01-195.6. These cases require swift action and specialized legal knowledge.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Virginia Slip and Fall Attorney Today
At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, we’ve been representing injured Virginians for over 50 years — and we know how to win even the toughest premises liability cases. From collecting evidence and proving negligence to navigating the contributory negligence defense, we handle every detail so you can focus on healing.
Our personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so you can get answers with no pressure. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious fall, contact us today to learn more about your options.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form