Fall accidents can happen to any of us, pretty much anywhere. If you find yourself injured after a fall, it is essential to know when you should go to the doctor. Here’s why:
- Slip and fall accidents can cause hidden injuries such as a concussion
- Some injuries are not symptomatic right away
- Certain medications like blood thinners can exacerbate fall injuries
- Seeing a doctor could help prevent further injuries or a worsening of current ones
If left untreated, some injuries have the potential to develop into life-changing health conditions, such as seizures or long-term brain injuries. As such, the best way to avoid unnecessary complications is to go to your doctor as soon as possible after a fall.
Factors That Elevate the Risk of Preventable Fall Injuries
The weather, your age, or even your job could put you at higher risk of a fall injury. While falls happen for countless reasons, common factors in many accidents include:
- Employees in high-risk sectors such as construction or warehousing
- Uneven stairs or floor surfaces
- Unsecured floor coverings
- Unattended spills
- Icy or slippery surfaces
- Cluttered walkways
- Inadequate lighting
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people over 65 are more at risk of falling. Older adults may have medical conditions that cause muscle weakness, limited mobility, or problems with vision or balance, placing them at higher risk of harm if building owners don’t adhere to safety measures.
Regrettably, irrespective of where they happen, many fall accidents are preventable. If you believe someone else could have caused your injuries, you might recover compensation for your losses. However, your health is the main priority, so you should always go to the doctor after a fall.
What to Do If You Slip or Fall in a Public Place or at Work
If it is safe and you can do so, you might benefit from taking these steps:
- Seek medical advice, especially if you hit your head.
- Report the accident to the premises’ manager, owner, or landlord.
- Get details of the incident in writing and request a copy from the person who takes your report.
- Gather any witness contact details.
- Take pictures of the location you fell, along with other conditions that contributed to the accident.
- Decline to give a statement or sign anything with the property owner or their insurers.
- Call for a free consultation to discuss your legal position with an injury attorney before making a claim or talking to insurers.
How do I Prove Someone Else Caused My Fall Accident?
You might find it challenging to demonstrate that someone else exposed you to injury or identify responsibility for the accident. Further, managing a complicated legal case may be the last thing you feel like doing after a fall. As such, a personal injury lawyer can help you identify responsible parties and prove liability in a slip or fall case that was not your fault.
To recover compensation, they will need to demonstrate that the person or organization responsible for your injuries failed to adhere to legally required rules and regulations to protect your safety. To do this, they can help you gather evidence such as:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Accident scene photographs
- CCTV footage
- Expert medical testimony to support your case
The Physical, Emotional, and Monetary Impact of a Fall Accident
It’s not easy to shrug off some accidents. In addition, treating injuries after a fall can become costly. For example, you may need to take time away from work while you recover or pay for your treatment while maintaining other family obligations. These expenses can quickly add up.
An attorney from our firm can assess the full extent of your injuries before pursuing compensation on your behalf to cover the following losses:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Current and future medical bills
- Damaged property
When Should I Seek Compensation?
The personal injury statute of limitations is four years per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) for injured people to initiate legal action and pursue compensation. If the deadline expires, it is unlikely the courts will hear your case. Seeking help from an injury attorney early on also means they have time to gather and preserve the evidence required to build a compelling case.
When You Are Hurt, We Have what It Takes to Make Things Right
Our injury attorneys stand ready to help you get back on your feet after suffering injuries through no fault of your own. We are always available to answer your questions while managing every aspect of your case.
There are no upfront costs or attorney fees to pay unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation. To learn about your legal options after suffering a fall injury caused by someone else, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733.
