Should I See a Doctor After a Slip and Fall?
Some falls result in injuries that are immediately obvious. Others may leave you somewhat shaken, but you may believe that no great harm came to you. If you can stand up, walk, and move normally, you might think seeing a doctor would be a waste of time.
If possible, you should see a doctor after any slip and fall. Understanding why medical attention is necessary can benefit your health and your potential injury claim. Read on for more information.
Delayed Onset Injuries
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that falls are one of the leading causes of injury worldwide. Every year, over 37 million slip and fall accidents cause injuries that need medical attention.
Any fall can cause a major health issue over time. Seeking swift medical attention may be the only way to mitigate the development of a serious injury.
For example, some people only go to the hospital after they feel their symptoms worsening after a day or two. They may be surprised to learn that a minor headache is a sign of a concussion. Or perhaps a bruise on their hip is a hairline fracture that has grown over the past several days. If you visit a doctor as soon as possible after a slip and fall, they will be able to diagnose and treat these conditions so that you can heal from them more quickly.
Risk of Falling Again
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who have suffered one fall are at least twice as likely to fall again. If you fall a second time, you risk exacerbating injuries you might not have known you had.
Furthermore, other health factors might contribute to your risk of falling. For example, some prescription medications and vitamin deficiencies can affect your balance and gait. Speaking with your physician about these possibilities can help you know what to do to prevent future falls from occurring.
Strengthen Your Slip and Fall Claim
Many falls happen because of another party’s negligence. In such cases, you may be eligible to claim compensation for your injury-related losses. Your injury may require extensive and prolonged treatment, physical or occupational therapy, and prescription medications. These expenses can add up quickly. Furthermore, you might be forced to miss work as you recover, leading to a loss of wages. Some slip and fall injuries prevent people from returning to work at all.
A slip and fall injury claim can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and reduced earning potential. Early medical attention may be vital to your success if you wish to pursue a claim.
In addition to helping you heal from your injuries properly, visiting a doctor will establish a record that you took swift steps toward receiving treatment. When you have a medical professional’s opinion about your injuries and what caused them, an insurance company will have a much harder time denying your claim. Your medical records will be solid evidence that you were injured and sought treatment for the injury right after the slip and fall incident.
Contact an Experienced Richmond Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered injuries in a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence, the legal team at The Johnson Injury Firm will help you navigate the process of pursuing the compensation you deserve. Our experienced lawyers handle cases across the Commonwealth of Virginia, and we are committed to serving our clients with integrity. Call us today at (804) 262-9000 or contact us online now for a consultation and find out how we can help.
