New York property owners who own restaurants, shopping malls, grocery stores, etc., are obligated to maintain safe environments for visitors. For instance, if an area gets a lot of snowfall, parking lots should be shoveled and cleared so that customers can safely walk from their vehicles to the entrance of the store. A slip and fall could result in a severe back injury.
Even inside of a store, safety measures should be taken. Walkways should be clear of debris. Also, if a worker has mopped a floor or someone has spilled a drink, managers should make sure safety cones or signs are in place to warn guests of the hazard. Recovering from a back injury after slipping and falling on a wet floor can take months.
Back injury symptoms may vary
The following list shows issues of concern after a back injury:
- Pain in any part of back
- Abdominal pain
- Neck pain
- Tingling or numbness in extremities
- Headache, confusion or other symptoms of concussion
- Hip or leg pain
A back injury might occur from the blunt force impact of a person’s body hitting a hard surface in a fall. It could also be caused by twisting or overextending muscles or tendons, especially if someone slips on a wet surface. Some symptoms suggest underlying problems, such as a spinal cord injury, which is why it’s always best to seek medical attention if symptoms linger or new symptoms develop.
Medication, surgery or physical therapy may be needed
Treating a back injury depends on various factors, such as the exact events that occurred, which resulted in injury. A doctor might prescribe medication to help alleviate pain. Physical therapy sessions help restore mobility. If a person suffers a back injury because of property negligence, state law allows a recovering victim to seek justice against any and all parties deemed responsible for injuries.