Slip and Fall Doctor in Pasadena, TX

"Patient slipped on unmarked wet floor in grocery store produce section. Feet went forward, body fell backward. Patient's head struck ceramic tile floor with significant force (estimated impact velocity 12-15 mph based on fall height of 5'6"). No ability to brace for impact. This fall mechanism caused: Occipital skull impact (back of head struck floor), whiplash-type cervical hyperextension, compression loading to lumbar spine and coccyx (tailbone), impact trauma to left hip. Force of impact consistent with patient's reported symptoms and diagnostic imaging findings showing acute traumatic injury pattern."

Weak documentation: "Patient reports back pain after fall." Strong documentation: "Lumbar range of motion severely restricted: Flexion 30° (normal 60°), extension 10° (normal 25°), lateral flexion 15° bilaterally (normal 25°). Positive straight leg raise test at 40° reproducing radiating pain into left lower extremity consistent with L5-S1 nerve root irritation. Moderate muscle spasm palpable in bilateral lumbar paraspinal muscles. Tenderness to palpation over L4-L5 spinous processes. Patient unable to sit for more than 10 minutes without severe pain - affects employment as administrative assistant."

Biggest defense in slip and fall cases: "Injuries are degenerative, not caused by fall." We defeat this with comparative imaging: "MRI lumbar spine reveals: L4-L5 disc herniation with 5mm posterior protrusion, moderate central canal stenosis, acute edema (fluid signal) in surrounding soft tissues indicating recent trauma, no evidence of chronic degenerative changes typically seen with age-related disc disease. Radiologist interpretation: Findings consistent with acute traumatic disc herniation, not chronic degenerative disc disease. Clinical correlation: Patient had zero back pain or limitations prior to fall. Symptoms began immediately post-fall. Acute edema on MRI proves recent injury. This disc herniation was directly caused by compression forces during fall, not pre-existing degeneration."

We document patient's pre-fall health: "Patient's medical records review shows: No prior spine injuries or complaints, no prior treatment for back pain, no prior imaging of lumbar spine, normal physical activity level (walks 3 miles daily, plays with grandchildren, no mobility limitations), independent in all activities of daily living. Post-fall status: Cannot walk more than 100 feet without pain, cannot pick up grandchildren, cannot sit through movie or dinner, requires assistance with housework, unable to perform job duties. This dramatic functional decline immediately following fall proves causation."

Property owner insurance claims "patient received excessive treatment." We preempt this: "Patient continues to exhibit positive clinical signs of L4-L5 radiculopathy at week 8 post-injury. Straight leg raise test remains positive bilaterally. Lower extremity strength testing shows 4/5 strength in left anterior tibialis and extensor hallucis longus (normal 5/5) indicating ongoing nerve compression. Conservative treatment plan: Continue physical therapy 3x/week for 4 additional weeks to strengthen core musculature, improve spinal stability, and reduce nerve irritation. If symptoms do not improve, refer to orthopedic surgeon for epidural steroid injection or possible surgical consultation. Treatment is medically necessary to: Reduce nerve compression and prevent permanent nerve damage, restore functional mobility, return patient to employment (currently on medical leave), avoid surgical intervention if possible. All treatment is reasonable, customary, and medically necessary per accepted medical standards."

Texas premises liability law allows compensation for permanent impairment and future medical costs. We provide: Permanency Rating: "Patient has reached maximum medical improvement at 6 months post-injury with 10% permanent partial impairment to lumbar spine per AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 6th Edition. Permanent restrictions: No lifting over 25 lbs, no repetitive bending/twisting, no prolonged standing (max 30 minutes), no prolonged sitting (max 45 minutes). These restrictions are permanent and will affect patient's ability to work and perform activities of daily living for remainder of life." Future Medical Costs: "$85,000 to $120,000 over patient's remaining life expectancy (35 years) including: Annual pain management visits ($2,500/year), prescription anti-inflammatory medication ($1,200/year), epidural steroid injections every 18-24 months ($4,000 per procedure), physical therapy for flare-ups ($3,000 every 2-3 years), possible future lumbar fusion surgery if conservative treatment fails ($60,000-$80,000)."

"Within a reasonable degree of medical certainty, all injuries documented in this report were directly and proximately caused by the slip and fall incident on [date] at [location]. The mechanism of injury (backward fall onto hard tile floor) is entirely consistent with documented injury pattern (occipital skull impact, cervical hyperextension, lumbar compression, hip contusion). Patient had no prior history of these injuries. Symptom onset was immediate following fall. Acute findings on diagnostic imaging confirm recent traumatic etiology. No alternative medical explanation exists for patient's injuries."

Insurance companies always look for prior injuries to blame. We address this head-on: "Patient does have documented history of mild osteoarthritis in hands (diagnosed 2019). However, this condition is completely unrelated to current lumbar spine injury. Patient had zero lower back complaints prior to slip and fall. MRI shows acute traumatic disc herniation with edema, not chronic arthritic changes. Fall aggravated no pre-existing spinal condition because none existed." If patient does have prior back problems: "Patient had mild chronic lower back pain controlled with occasional ibuprofen use prior to fall. Fall caused acute exacerbation and NEW disc herniation. Pre-fall MRI (2023) showed no disc herniations. Post-fall MRI (2025) shows L4-L5 disc herniation with acute edema. This is a new traumatic injury superimposed on mild pre-existing degenerative changes. Patient's symptoms increased 500% post-fall. Pre-fall functional limitations: 5%. Post-fall functional limitations: 50%. Fall caused substantial worsening of condition qualifying as compensable injury under Texas law."