March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of understanding and preventing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). One cause of TBIs is slip and fall accidents, which can lead to severe, long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
In Colorado, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises to prevent these types of accidents. When they don't, an experienced slip and fall lawyer can help hold them accountable and fight for the justice and financial compensation the victim deserves.
How do slip and fall accidents happen?
Slip and fall accidents happen when someone loses their footing or balance due to unsafe conditions, leading to a fall. In Colorado Springs, they can occur anywhere – at restaurants, in stores, on parking lots, or at someone’s home – and are often caused by hazards that could have been prevented. Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors – Spills, freshly mopped floors, leaks (in grocery stores, restaurants, or bathrooms), and lack of warning signs for wet surfaces.
- Uneven surfaces – Cracked sidewalks, loose floorboards or tiles, torn carpets or rugs, damaged parking lots or curbs.
- Poor lighting – Dim or burned-out lights in stairwells, hallways, or parking garages can make it hard to see obstacles.
- Obstructions or clutter – Items left on walkways (wires, boxes, equipment, etc.), unsecured mats, or cords.
- Lack of handrails – Missing or broken handrails on stairs or ramps reduce stability.
- Weather conditions – Rain, snow, or ice can make outdoor surfaces slick, especially in entryways or on sidewalks that haven’t been treated.
How can a slip and fall result in a traumatic brain injury?
If someone falls backward or forward and hits their head on concrete, tile, or a hard object (like a counter or shelf), the force can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, resulting in a TBI. Even without hitting the head, a violent jerk or whiplash motion can cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to injury.
What are the different types of TBIs?
Traumatic brain injuries range from mild to severe and include types such as concussions, which are the most common and often temporary; contusions, or brain bruises caused by direct impact; coup-contrecoup injuries, where the brain is injured on both sides due to forceful movement; diffuse axonal injuries, resulting from severe shaking or rotation of the head; and penetrating injuries, where an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue.
What kind of long-term damage can be caused by a brain injury?
Long-term damage from a traumatic brain injury can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, the part of the brain affected, and how quickly treatment was received. Some people recover fully, while others face lasting physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. These include:
Cognitive impairments
- Memory loss (short-term or long-term)
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Trouble processing information or making decisions
- Slower thinking speed
- Language and communication difficulties, such as finding words or understanding speech
- Poor judgment or problem-solving skills
Physical disabilities
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Seizures (post-traumatic epilepsy)
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Muscle weakness or paralysis (often on one side of the body)
- Loss of coordination
- Fatigue or reduced stamina
- Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, hearing loss, or loss of smell or taste
Emotional and behavioral changes
- Depression or anxiety
- Irritability or mood swings
- Personality changes (e.g., becoming impulsive or aggressive)
- Sleep disturbances
- Social withdrawal or difficulty maintaining relationships
How a Colorado Springs slip and fall lawyer can help after a traumatic brain injury
If you suffered a TBI in a slip and fall accident in Colorado, it’s important to get an experienced attorney on your side. A slip and fall accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the scene to document hazards (like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting).
- Collect surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance records.
- Work with medical experts to link the TBI directly to the fall and demonstrate the extent of long-term damage.
- Calculate all damages, including medical bills, lost income, future care costs, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate with insurance companies or take the case to court to ensure the at-fault party is held legally and financially responsible.
Contact The Longo Firm, LLC today
At The Longo Firm, LLC, we help accident victims in Colorado recover the compensation they need to heal from their injuries and move forward. Our firm has a record of results for clients, including a $225,000 recovery in a premises liability case at a restaurant and bar.
If you’ve been hurt in Colorado Springs, learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We can review the details of your slip and fall accident and answer any questions you have. There’s no cost and no obligation.
“Stephen Longo has been an incredible resource for legal advice and guidance. He took the time to understand every detail of my case, explained the process clearly, and provided thoughtful, expert recommendations. His guidance and support throughout this process gave me peace of mind. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking skilled and compassionate legal counsel. Thank you again for your outstanding help—it has truly made a difference!.” – Sierra L., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐