Every property owner in Pennsylvania has a responsibility to keep their spaces reasonably safe for visitors. When hazards are ignored or repairs are put off, people can get hurt, and that’s when premises liability becomes an issue. Extra caution is advisable during winter months due to the increased likelihood of encountering slippery surfaces in parking areas or shopping malls.
Entrances to malls or other busy buildings are particularly hazardous, as high volumes of consumers bring in snow and ice, leaving wet surfaces behind. When property owners neglect these dangers, you could end up dealing with a FOOSH injury during the holidays.
If you suffered a FOOSH injury on a hazardous property, the Western Pennsylvania slip and fall attorneys at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Our dedicated team can assess your case, gather evidence, and advocate for the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain caused by your injury. Contact us today at (724) 658-8535 to schedule a consultation.
What Is a FOOSH Injury?
Falling is a scary experience that could result in serious injuries. If you slip and lose your balance, you will likely instinctively put out your hands to break the fall. However, this leaves you vulnerable to FOOSH injuries. The word is an acronym for “fall onto an outstretched hand”, and common injuries include fractures or sprains to the upper extremities.
Recognizing the Common Symptoms of FOOSH Injuries
FOOSH injuries can result in a variety of symptoms depending on the severity and type of injury. If you’ve recently fallen and landed on your hands, it’s important to pay attention to how your body feels. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Pain: This is often the first and most noticeable symptom. Pain may be sharp, dull, or throbbing, depending on the affected area and the extent of the injury.
- Bruising: Discoloration around the injured area is common. Bruises may appear quickly or develop over a day or two.
- Swelling: Swelling can occur soon after the injury. It may make the joint or surrounding tissue feel tight or tender to the touch.
- Cuts or Breaks: A visible wound or an obvious deformity, such as a bent wrist or fingers, can indicate a fracture or dislocation.
- Limited Movement: Difficulty moving your wrist, hand, fingers, or elbow is a common sign of a FOOSH injury. This could be due to pain, swelling, or damage to the joint.
- Difficulty Bending: Trouble bending your wrist or elbow may suggest a sprain, strain, or fracture in the affected area.
If you notice any of these symptoms after a fall, consulting a medical professional is important. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the injury and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
| Symptom | Typical Presentation | Possible Underlying Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Sharp, dull, or throbbing in wrist, hand, or elbow | Sprain, fracture, or soft tissue injury |
| Bruising | Discoloration near injured area | Soft tissue injury or possible fracture |
| Swelling | Tightness or tenderness around joint | Fracture, sprain, or strain |
| Cuts or Breaks | Visible wound or bent/deformed wrist or fingers | Fracture or dislocation |
| Limited Movement | Difficulty moving wrist, hand, fingers, or elbow | Fracture, dislocation, ligament damage |
| Difficulty Bending | Trouble bending wrist or elbow | Sprain, strain, or fracture |
Western Pennsylvania Slip and Fall Attorneys – Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.
Lawrence M. Kelly
Larry Kelly has spent his entire life in Western Pennsylvania, dedicated to both his family and his clients. With over 40 years of legal experience, he is widely respected for his integrity, community leadership, and courtroom success.
- Bar Admissions: Pennsylvania (1983), U.S. District Court Western District of PA, U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit
- Education: J.D., University of Akron School of Law, cum laude
- Certified: Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Leadership: Past President, Western PA Trial Lawyers Association; Past President, PA Association for Justice (2024)
Joseph A. George
For nearly 30 years, Joseph A. George has been representing clients in Pennsylvania, focusing on personal injury, workers’ compensation, motor vehicle accidents, and medical malpractice. His strong track record and reputation for excellence have made him one of the region’s trusted trial attorneys.
- Bar Admissions: Pennsylvania (1996), U.S. District Court Western District of PA
- Education: J.D., Duquesne University School of Law (1996); University of Pittsburgh
- Associations: Pennsylvania Bar Association, PA Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice
- Honors: Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2018–2024), AV Preeminent Rated (2020)
Typical FOOSH Injuries
Although wrist and hand damage is common, the following types of FOOSH injuries could occur:
- Dislocated shoulder: If you fall onto your outstretched arm and hand, your shoulder could come out of the joint. This could result in a torn rotator cuff or labrum injury, which involves the ring of cartilage that surrounds your shoulder’s socket.
- Fractured collarbone: The impact of the fall onto your outstretched arm could go all the way up your arm and into the collarbone, which could fracture.
- Dislocated elbow: Depending on the force of your arm hitting the floor, you could break one of the bones in your elbow, or the elbow might slip out of the joint.
- Proximal humeral fracture: If the fall forces your arm into the shoulder joint, the upper arm bone can break where it enters the shoulder socket.
- Boxer’s fracture: If your hand was in a fist when you fell onto it, you could fracture some of the small hand bones.
- Smith’s fracture: This fracture occurs when the impact forces the arm bone forward, causing fractured wrist bones.
- Colles‘ fracture: This is similar to a Smith’s fracture, but the arm bone pushes backward, causing fractured wrist bones.
What to Do Immediately After a FOOSH Injury
Following a FOOSH, the first thing to remember is not to panic. Staying calm helps you avoid sudden movements that could make the injury worse. If the accident happens in a busy area, move to a safe place away from traffic or other hazards before focusing on your next steps.
Once safe, report the accident to the property owner or manager right away. This step creates an official record of what happened and may be useful later if questions arise. Take clear photos or videos of any hazards that caused your fall, such as uneven pavement, wet floors, or poor lighting. Preserving this evidence early is important because conditions can change quickly.
If there are people around when you fall, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can play an important role in confirming how the accident occurred. Keep your notes organized, as these details may help support your account.
Even if you only feel mild soreness, seek medical attention as soon as possible. FOOSH injuries can involve hidden fractures or soft tissue damage that may not be obvious right away. Prompt medical evaluation creates a documented link between your injury and the fall.
Finally, contact an attorney without delay. Injury claims often have strict deadlines, and waiting too long may limit your options. Taking these steps promptly can support your recovery while also strengthening your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
FOOSH Injury Recovery and Legal Options in Pennsylvania
The first thing to do after falling onto an outstretched arm and hand is to get the necessary medical treatment. However, it is not uncommon for such injuries to require long-term physical therapy because the recovery might be a slow process. The mounting medical bills might be overwhelming, especially if your injury prevents you from returning to work immediately.
The Pennsylvania civil justice system allows you to pursue financial relief if a property owner’s negligence caused the fall that led to your injuries. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., our experienced Western Pennsylvania slip and fall attorneys can help you pursue a premises liability claim to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Contact us today at (724) 658-8535 to schedule a consultation.
