A slip and fall injury can happen to you at any time, and it may leave you confused and scared as well. They are common reasons for a hospital visit, accounting for over 1 million hospital emergency room visits. Immediately after falling, you may not know what to do and where to begin. But, what steps you take after a slip and fall injury may be vital when it comes to protecting yourself, healing from the injury, and even getting appropriate compensation for the accident. Let’s look at how to recover after a slip and fall injury.
1) Get medical attention promptly
In case of an injury, you must get diagnosed correctly. That means going to the hospital emergency room if you feel that the injury is serious. After immediate treatment, be sure to schedule an early appointment with your usual doctor. Some injuries may necessitate seeing a specialist. Be sure not to hold back when describing the full extent of the injuries to a doctor. Ensure that you ask the doctor whether they think that you’re suffering from any broken bones, sprains, strains, or a concussion. Remember that the fullest extent of any injury may not be apparent to you immediately after you slip and fall. For example, head trauma or a concussion may show up much after the accident. It is vital for you to identify a concussion before you suffer any lasting damage.
2) Report the accident to the appropriate authority
Regardless of whether you slipped and fell at a friend’s house, in an office, on a sidewalk, or in a store, ensure that you report it in full to the owner, landlord, or manager. Ensure that a written report is prepared and that you get a copy before you leave the scene of the accident. This report may come in handy if you decide to file a claim for compensation later on.
3) Document everything you can
You should collect all the details of any potential witnesses. Details to collect are names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Witness statements may help prove your claim if you want to pursue any legal claim. It will also help to take multiple photographs of the exact location you slipped and fell. Take pictures of any icy patches, stairs, or other conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
4) Strongly Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
While recovering from a slip and fall injury, you should consider filing a personal injury claim. In fact, you should strongly consider hiring a personal injury lawyer from a law firm like Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, who have considerable experience in handling such matters. Having the resources of an experienced legal team will help you get a higher compensation amount. Keep in mind that the other party’s insurance policy might cover your medical expenses.
5) Ensure you take time to recover fully
You may be tempted to stop treatment as soon as you see the first signs of recovery. However, looks may be deceiving, and stopping treatment may cause you problems later on. Keep in mind that slip and fall injuries may lead to physical problems in the future. Fractures that are not appropriately treated may lead to issues with your bones. Chronic back pain is a direct consequence of untreated back injuries. Suppose a slip and fall injury involves a considerable period of recuperation when you cannot carry out your normal activities. In that case, you may face mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
In Summary
The steps you take after a slip and fall injury are vital for you to recover completely. One aspect is the actual healing from the injury. The other aspect is collecting sufficient information and evidence to lodge a rightful claim for compensation.