Slips and falls are common street accidents, but did you ever think about how they happen? Maybe you think it’s only your fault because you didn’t pay enough attention to your walk, but in most cases, the property’s owner is at fault for the damage. They have an obligation to keep you safe on their property, an obligation which is commonly known as premises liability.
No matter who’s responsible, slip, trip, and fall accidents can be devastating and, in some cases, life-threatening. Like any other accidents, slips and falls are unpredictable, and although you can’t prevent them, you can learn how to deal with their aftermath. Sure, it’s critical to pay attention to the sidewalks, stairs, and floors in building entryways, but most of the time, it’s not your fault that you slipped and got injured. And if you’re under the premise that only seniors can be affected by slip and fall injuries, learn that such accidents can happen to anyone – wet or poorly lit sidewalks, snow, and ice spare no one.
Depending on the severity of your fall, injuries like fractured and dislocated joints, cuts, sprains, and concussions can occur. So, you need to be patient regarding your recovery process – there can be a long way until you get on your feet again.
So, here’s what you can do to ease your recovery after an accident of this kind:
Visit the emergency room immediately
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Even if, at first, it seems like you’re not injured at all, you can’t be so sure because, at the moment of the accident, you feel no pain as a result of the adrenaline factor. Symptoms may appear even hours after the unfortunate event, so it would be best to visit the emergency room right away. If your injuries are severe and don’t allow you to leave under your own power, consider calling 911. The paramedics will provide you with proper care and, if necessary, will take you to the hospital for further investigation. Your health should be the #1 priority, so don’t hesitate to seek medical help when slipping, tripping, and falling on a walkway or building’s entryway. These accidents are tricky and hard to avoid, and even if they seem mild at first, they can leave behind hard-to-endure injuries.
Follow the recommendations of medical professionals
You need to be aware that a temporary injury can transform into a permanent physical disability, so if you still reflect on whether you should go to the doctor or not, the answer is pretty clear. A medical professional is the only one in a position to prescribe you the correct treatment, depending on the severity of your injuries and current health complications. Whether they recommend you to take meds, go to therapy, or rest for a while, you should follow their advice thoroughly. And don’t ever think about taking meds or changing your treatment without the physician’s approval. If you feel that the treatment is not working, just go to the doctor and tell them.
Sometimes, psychological therapy is required. Apart from physical injuries like spinal cord damage (which can be treated with physical therapy), you can deal with an amalgam of emotions: fear, helplessness, guilt, frustration, anger, etc. In this case, consider seeking the help of a therapist who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat your psychological trauma.
Get a lawyer
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While physicians ensure your emotional and physical rehabilitation, Jason Stone injury lawyers can help you in terms of financial recovery. As we already mentioned, slip and fall accidents are hard to prove, so it would be helpful if you called for professional advice. If your trip-and-fall accident was the cause of someone else’s negligence, only a lawyer could help with all the procedures in court. Maybe you think that making a claim and getting compensation for your losses can’t take your pain, but be sure this will help you with all the medical expenses, which will speed up your healing process. Things are, without any doubt, far from easy, but with proper treatment and a lawyer’s help, you can get your life back on track sooner than you think. Things are, without any doubt, far from easy, but with proper treatment and the help of a good injury lawyer, you can get your life back on track sooner than you think.
Recognize the importance of where the accident took place
It’s crucial to get informed about where the slip and fall took place so that you can go ahead with all the procedures. It helps to know that municipal property incidents are treated differently from those that occur on private property. Generally, the city administration should take care of the citizens’ safety and respect premises liability. Still, it’s not always easy to prove that the accident was the fault of municipal entities unless you’re seriously injured. In the case of private property, things are a bit different. You can claim damages caused by ice or snow and send the notice to the occupier of that property or other representative, but remember that details like time, date, and exact location are required.
Document everything
Source: lawyer-monthly.com
Evidence is the key when it comes to accident investigation, so if your health condition allows, don’t hesitate to collect as much information as you can – it can help you more than you imagine. Sometimes, it’s not enough to just make a claim and wait for compensation – if you don’t demonstrate the negligence of municipal entities or property owners, you’re likely to lose the case. Besides, if the premises owner is guilty, they may try to hide the evidence and clean up the scene as nothing had happened. Therefore, consider taking photos and keep them at hand. Whether it’s about loose power cords, icy patches, inadequate lighting, or uneven floor surfaces, it’s imperative to demonstrate that the location wasn’t safe when the incident occurred.
If possible, look around for people that might have witnessed the accident and ask for their contact information (name, address, phone number, email). These will help your lawyer later on in the process. Details like the exact time and date, location, and how you fell are also crucial in court.
Recovery After Slip and Fall Accidents
Recovering from a slip and fall accident entails a holistic approach that addresses both the physical injuries sustained and the emotional impact of the incident. As these accidents can range from mild to severe, recovery timelines and strategies may vary, but here are some universal considerations:
- Prioritize Medical Care: After a fall, immediately consult with a professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, might not show immediate symptoms. A prompt medical evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Follow Medical Advice Religiously: Adhering to prescribed treatments, medications, and therapy sessions is crucial. Avoid rushing the healing process; every individual’s recovery timeline is unique.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapists can design a tailored exercise regimen to restore mobility, strength, and balance. Their guidance can speed up recovery and prevent potential complications.
- Stay Mentally Active: The mental toll after a fall can be significant, leading to anxiety or fear of falling again. Engage in activities that keep your mind occupied and challenged, such as reading, puzzles, or learning something new.
- Join Support Groups: Sharing your experience with others can provide emotional relief and practical insights. Support groups, whether in-person or online, offer a platform for mutual encouragement and understanding.
