Unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal accidental injuries for every age group but one (ages 15-24), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All types of falls have the potential to cause serious injuries, even those that occur on level ground due to a slip or trip. Many injuries from slip and falls require medical treatment, though it can be surprising how many slip and fall victims fail to go to the emergency room or visit their doctor soon after their falls.
Seeking proper medical attention after a slip and fall is important for many different reasons, including:
- Diagnosis—Diagnosing an injury in a timely manner is important to ensure you receive the stabilization and treatment you need and do not aggravate your injuries further. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent to you but can still be diagnosed via professional medical tools, such as imaging tests and other diagnostic tools. For example, many people may think they are just stiff or sore, when in reality they have soft tissue damage or a broken bone.
- Treatment plan—If you have a diagnosable injury, the sooner you begin treatment, the better. Often, the first stages of treatment may involve resting before you begin physical therapy or have a surgical procedure. However, if you do not seek medical attention, you will not be aware of the need to rest and how to proceed afterward. In many cases, injuries can worsen if not treated immediately.
- Pain management—Many traumatic injuries from slip and falls can cause significant pain, including fractures, sprains and strains, back or neck injuries, concussions, and more. Managing pain both by restricting movement and finding the right medications is an important part of your recovery.
- Accurate medical records—Seeking immediate medical attention will also result in medical records created right after your slip and fall that can connect your injuries directly to your accident. These records can help you later prove the injuries caused by your fall if you seek compensation from the negligent property owner that caused the accident. An insurance company or court will not simply take your word that you sustained injuries, so medical records are an important part of any slip and fall case.
Undergoing a medical evaluation as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident is critical for both your physical well-being and for any later legal claim you may pursue. Even seemingly minor injuries may worsen without treatment so you should not hesitate to get checked out if you are a fall victim.
Call Our Skilled Premises Liability Attorneys Today
At the law office of Emroch & Kilduff, we have helped many clients recover financially from negligent property owners after a slip and fall accident. We can evaluate your situation and advise you of your legal rights and options. If you would like to schedule a free consultation with one of our slip and fall lawyers in Richmond or Tappahannock please call 804-358-1568 or contact us online today.
