If you slip and fall, it’s easy to land the wrong way and injure your tailbone. These injuries can range from a mild bruise that causes temporary discomfort to a serious fracture that needs medical treatment. Understanding the difference between a bruised and broken tailbone, how each is treated, and when you may have grounds for a slip and fall claim can help you protect your health and legal rights.
What Is the Tailbone and Why Is It Vulnerable?
The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is a triangular structure made up of a group of bones at the bottom of the spine. This section of bones is held in place by muscles and ligaments. Slips and falls often cause tailbone injuries, largely because of how people land after slipping and falling. A tailbone injury can be painful and slow to heal, with recovery time depending on severity.
Slip and falls are preventable accidents, commonly caused by spilled liquids, uneven flooring or cluttered walkways, unsafe sidewalks, poor lighting, or broken handrails. Texas property owners must keep their premises or business safe for anyone lawfully on their premises or face liability for slip and falls.
Understanding a Bruised Tailbone After a Slip and Fall
A bruised tailbone can occur after a slip and fall when the coccyx is injured but not fractured. These injuries are often painful but usually heal within a few days to a few weeks. Recovery involves resting, limiting physical activity, and avoiding sitting for long periods. Applying ice several times a day and using a cushion when sitting can help relieve pain and pressure. If symptoms persist or worsen after your slip and fall, it’s important to see a doctor for proper evaluation and care.
Symptoms of Bruised Tailbones
Some symptoms of a bruised tailbone are:
- Pain or tenderness in the lower back
- Discomfort or aching in the buttocks
- Swelling or visible bruising near the base of the spine
- Pain or pressure when sitting
Broken Tailbone After a Slip and Fall
A broken tailbone often causes severe pain that can make sitting or standing difficult. You may also have trouble getting up or changing positions. If left untreated, a tailbone fracture can lead to complications such as pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pain. Recovery usually involves rest and avoiding pressure on the area, but your doctor may recommend gentle strengthening exercises for your hips and core as you heal. Most broken tailbones take about eight to twelve weeks to fully recover.
Common Symptoms of Broken Tailbones
Symptoms of a broken tailbone include:
- Severe or sharp pain near the base of the spine
- Bruising or swelling around the tailbone
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or buttocks
- Difficulty sitting, standing, or changing positions
- Pain or discomfort while urinating
Healing a broken tailbone often requires medical care, including X-rays to confirm the injury and, in some cases, surgery. Delaying treatment can make symptoms worse or prolong recovery, so it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Tailbone Injury?
You should seek medical attention right away after a slip and fall or any tailbone injury. Delaying care can allow a minor bruise to develop into a fracture, leading to more severe pain and longer recovery.
If you experience symptoms such as tingling in the legs, pain while urinating, swelling near the tailbone, or difficulty sitting, see a doctor as soon as possible. Ignoring these warning signs can make the injury worse and complicate treatment.
Can You Sue After a Slip and Fall Tailbone Injury?
You should speak with an attorney after a slip and fall tailbone injury to understand your legal options. Even if you are unsure whether you qualify for compensation, you may have the right to file a claim if your fall was caused by another person’s negligence.
Handling a claim or lawsuit on your own can be challenging, but an experienced slip and fall lawyer can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and pursue a fair settlement. Under Texas premises liability law, property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to invitees, such as customers or visitors, and can be held responsible if they fail to repair or warn about known hazards.
Property Owner Liability in Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owner liability in a slip and fall case arises when unsafe conditions exist on a business, commercial property, or private home. For example, if a homeowner fails to warn guests about a water leak in the kitchen and someone slips and falls, the homeowner could be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries.
Proving Negligence
If you pursue a claim, you must prove that the other party was negligent. This means showing that the property owner or responsible party knew or should have known about a dangerous condition, failed to fix it or warn visitors, and that this hazard directly caused your injuries. Examples of negligence may include poor maintenance, unsafe flooring, or failing to post warning signs about known hazards.
Evidence proving fault in premises liability claims includes maintenance records, pictures, videos, witness statements, crime reports, video surveillance footage, and documents establishing responsibility. Collecting this evidence can be difficult, especially if the defendant holds some. A skilled lawyer can help secure it.
Damages Available
If you pursue a claim for a tailbone injury after a slip and fall, you can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.
How Shamieh Law Helps Slip and Fall Victims
If you suffered a tailbone injury after a slip and fall, it’s important to seek both medical attention and legal support.
The attorneys at Shamieh Law have extensive experience handling slip and fall cases and have successfully represented clients with coccyx injuries. Our team will gather the evidence needed to strengthen your claim and remain committed to supporting you every step of the way — from helping you find proper medical care to pursuing full and fair compensation. When you work with Shamieh Law, you can focus on your recovery while we handle negotiations with insurance companies and guide you through the entire legal process.
If you or a loved one were injured on someone else’s property, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. The slip-and-fall attorneys at Shamieh Law can help. Contact Shamieh Law today or call (469) 813-7332 to schedule your free consultation.
FAQs
What Happens if a Broken Tailbone is Left Untreated?
Leaving a broken tailbone untreated can lead to long-term complications that affect your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. The most common consequence is chronic pain in the lower back and pelvic region, which may worsen when sitting, standing for long periods, or during physical activity.
In some cases, untreated tailbone fractures can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, where the muscles supporting the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs weaken or tighten improperly. This can cause pain, bowel or bladder issues, and ongoing discomfort during daily activities.
Can I Get Compensation for Medical Bills After a Slip and Fall Tailbone Injury?
Yes. If your tailbone injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses. This includes costs such as emergency treatment, doctor visits, imaging tests, physical therapy, and medications related to your injury.
For example, if a property owner failed to repair a broken step or ignored a leaking pipe that caused a slippery surface, and you fell as a result, they could be held responsible for your medical bills. You may also be eligible to recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I Only Bruised My Tailbone?
If you believe your injuries could have been prevented by the property owner’s care, you should consider consulting with a slip and fall attorney. You may be eligible for compensation, and an attorney can negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies.