You never expect a slip and fall accident to happen, but when it does, it has the potential to change your life forever. One moment, you’re walking through a store, heading down the stairs at work, or stepping onto a sidewalk. The next, you’re on the ground, dizzy, disoriented, maybe even in pain.
Some people think of slip and falls as embarrassing, maybe, but nothing to worry about. However, the truth is falls are one of the leading causes of brain injuries, and the effects can be devastating.
A head injury doesn’t always mean you’ll see blood or lose consciousness. Sometimes, the damage is internal, and symptoms creep in hours or even days later. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to how you feel after a slip and fall and to know your legal rights if someone else’s negligence caused it.
What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
A TBI happens when a sudden impact or jolt damages your brain. It can be a mild concussion or something more severe that causes permanent cognitive impairment or even death.
Falls are one of the leading causes of TBIs in Ontario, especially among seniors, workers, and children. A hard fall can cause the brain to slam against the inside of the skull, leading to bruising, swelling, or internal bleeding.
Some people feel the effects of a traumatic brain injury right away, such as headaches, dizziness, or confusion. Others feel fine at first but develop blurred vision, memory loss, or mood changes hours or days later. That’s why you should always take a head injury seriously.
How do slip and falls cause brain injuries?
When your head hits the ground or even snaps backward from the force of a slip and fall, your brain shifts inside your skull. This can cause damage from a mild concussion to a severe brain bleed.
The severity of the brain injury depends on several factors. Did you fall forward or backward? Did you hit your head on concrete, tile, or another hard surface? Did you lose consciousness, even for a second? The higher the fall and the harder the impact, the greater the risk of serious brain trauma.
Even if you didn’t hit your head directly, a sudden jolt can still shake the brain violently within the skull and cause damage. That’s why people who fall backward, especially down stairs, often suffer from serious brain injuries without an obvious wound.
What types of brain injuries can happen after a fall?
Not all brain injuries are the same. Some heal quickly, while others leave lasting effects. Here are the most common types of brain injuries caused by falls:
Concussions
A concussion is the most common type of brain injury. It happens when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull, causing temporary dysfunction. You might feel dizzy, disoriented, or nauseous. Some people experience headaches or trouble concentrating for weeks.
Brain contusions (bruises on the brain)
A contusion is a bruise on the brain tissue itself. It often happens when your head takes a direct hit. Sometimes, the swelling is severe enough to require surgery to relieve pressure.
Hematomas and hemorrhages
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the brain tissue, while a hemorrhage is active bleeding inside the brain. These injuries can be life-threatening because they put dangerous pressure on the brain.
Diffuse axonal injury
This type of injury happens when the brain shifts violently inside the skull, tearing nerve fibers. It’s one of the most severe forms of TBI and can lead to coma or permanent disability.
How can you tell if you have a brain injury after a fall?
Brain injuries aren’t always obvious right away. You might feel fine initially, only to experience worsening symptoms hours or days later. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to how you feel after a fall.
Symptoms of a TBI might include:
- Headache or pressure in your head
- Dizziness or nausea
- Blurred vision or ringing in your ears
- Feeling confused or disoriented
- Difficulty speaking or understanding others
- Symptoms that can appear later
- Persistent headaches that don’t go away
- Memory problems or trouble concentrating
- Mood swings, depression, or anxiety
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Difficulty balancing or walking
Brain injury case reinforces the importance of fighting for full compensation
The long-term impact of a traumatic brain injury can be devastating—not only physically and emotionally but also financially. Many victims struggle with ongoing medical treatments, lost income, and a diminished quality of life.
Insurance companies often attempt to downplay these injuries, offering settlements that fail to reflect the true extent of the damage. That’s why having an experienced Toronto slip and fall lawyer who knows how to fight for maximum compensation is critical.
Sanson v. Paterson and Sanson v. Security National Insurance underscores just how significant the financial toll of a brain injury can be. After a five-week trial, the Ontario Superior Court awarded our client, Geraldine Sanson, $2,637,423.88 in damages, plus an additional $1,197,705.24 in costs and disbursements—far exceeding the pre-trial offer of $263,625.65.
Ms. Sanson, a respected human rights lawyer and recipient of the Law Society Medal, had her promising career cut short after a motorist struck her while cycling.
The court recognized the full extent of her traumatic brain injury and its devastating impact on her professional future. The case was a clear example of why brain injury victims should never accept an initial insurance offer without consulting a lawyer.
While Ms. Sanson's injury occurred in a cycling accident, the same principles apply to slip and fall victims who suffer life-altering brain injuries. Whether your injury happened due to unsafe conditions in a store, a landlord’s negligence, or a hazardous workplace, you deserve full and fair compensation—not just what the insurance company is willing to pay.
Call a Toronto slip and fall lawyer after a brain injury
At Smitiuch Injury Law, we’ve successfully represented brain injury victims across Ontario, ensuring they get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in a slip and fall accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for your future. With offices in Toronto, Brantford, and Simcoe, we proudly offer legal representation to clients throughout the GTA.
"I solicited this firm in 2022 because of an injury l obtained due to a trip and fall incident at a local golf course where they had neglected to remove wire fencing which was hidden under overgrowth along the edge of a fairway where upgrades had been performed. Smitiuch Injury Law was recommended to me by another law firm l had consulted, and l was not disappointed! My case was reviewed, accepted, and dealt with in an extremely attentive, professional manner with satisfying results. From me to you and your staff, a hearty thank you, Shawn, for your hard work and diligence to achieve an appropriate settlement in my personal injury case." — Larry M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
