Kentucky Injury Resource Center
Hip and wrist fractures, head injuries, back and knee injuries. The injuries falls cause most often, warning signs, and how they are documented in a Kentucky claim.
Reviewed by Larry Forman, Attorney.
A fall happens in a second, but the injuries can last for months or years. Older adults are especially at risk: the CDC reports about 4.5 million emergency department visits each year for falls by people 65 and older, and falls cause most hip fracture hospitalizations (CDC: older adult falls). Here are the injuries we see most often and what they mean for a claim.
Key takeaways
Hitting your head on a floor, step or shelf can cause a concussion or a more serious brain injury, especially for people on blood thinners. The CDC advises older adults who fall and hit their head to see a doctor right away. See head injury warning signs and our traumatic brain injury lawyer page.
Landing hard can cause herniated discs, compression fractures and, rarely, spinal cord injuries. See herniated disc and back injuries, neck injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Torn ligaments, meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, sprains and deep bruises are common. They are sometimes dismissed as minor but can need surgery. See knee and shoulder injuries and soft tissue injury claims.
The type of injury, the treatment it needs, how long recovery takes and whether there are lasting effects all affect value. So do fault and insurance. See the Kentucky slip and fall settlement guide and pain and suffering. Keep every record, and use our free injury pain journal.
Most other Kentucky personal injury claims, including falls on someone’s property, must be filed within one year (KRS 413.140).
Fractures, especially of the wrist, hip and ankle, plus head injuries and back injuries, are among the most common.
Yes, especially if you hit your head or are older. Some injuries show up later.
Yes. Aggravation of a pre-existing condition can be part of a claim. See our pre-existing conditions guide.
Let’s talk about your injuries and who may be responsible. The consultation is free.
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This page is general information about injuries and Kentucky law as of October 2026. It is not medical or legal advice. Follow your own doctor’s instructions.
