Written by Arthur Brown.
If you think that slip and fall accidents are a rare occurrence, think twice. In fact, they are pretty common; it’s just that people and the media, in general, do not talk about them a lot. But the reality is, they can happen to anyone at any time.
You can walk on a wet surface without even noticing or falling, or on an icy sidewalk, etc. In some cases, these accidents can be relatively minor, resulting in bruising only. However, at times, they can be so severe that a person can experience a concussion, broken bones, or end up in a life-threatening situation.
The point is that whatever the situation may be with you, you should never take these things lightly, and even if you feel okay, you should still seek medical help immediately because that’s something that will not only affect your recovery, but life in general.
As stated previously, since this topic isn’t discussed enough, today this informative guide is going to further delve into it, to accentuate the link between fast medical care and speedy recovery.
Common Causes of Accidents
Before we cut to the chase, let’s first talk about the most common causes of these types of accidents. There are lots of factors that may lead to this; however, according to the statistics, the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include wet floors, uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, cracks, loose floorboards, and others. There are a number of places where these incidents can occur, but the most common include:
- Restaurants
- Stores
- Shopping centers
- Swimming pools
- Nursing homes
- Apartment buildings
Slips and falls are no joke, and aren’t only painful, but expensive, as well, meaning that you should expect your medical bills to be pretty high! If your injuries are a direct result of someone’s negligence, then be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer who’s going to prove that, and, at the same time, help you get the compensation you deserve.
These people know how stressful all of this can be, and they’ll do whatever is in their power to properly present your case in court and fight for your rights!
The Importance Of Quick Medical Assistance
As concluded previously, slip and fall accidents can be relatively benign and visible, yet there are those that seemingly look harmless but are, in fact, far more dangerous. This refers to:
- Fractures (wrist, hip, and shoulder)
- Back and spinal injuries
- Head injuries (concussion, or serious trauma to the brain)
- Soft tissue damage (bruises, muscle injuries)
Some of these injuries will instantly cause swelling and pain; however, some, like a concussion, may showcase symptoms after a few hours or even days. If you do not want to risk anything when it comes to this, then you cannot delay your visit to the doctor because only they are capable of treating these injuries properly.
Early Medical Assessment Is Mandatory In These Situations
An early medical assessment is pivotal after a slip and fall accident, not only because it’s going to help you mitigate the pain that you are enduring, but also to establish the connection between the injuries you sustained and the incident. With it, you will:
- Get the precise diagnosis – As concluded above, certain injuries may be noticeable after a while, and if you do not get professional help, they may go unnoticed. On the flip side, early diagnosis enables you to keep things under control and prevent further complications.
- Medical records – If by any chance you decide to file a claim against a liable party, then precisely these records will further strengthen your lawsuit. They perfectly show the severity of your injuries, the necessary medications, procedures, and treatments, and the projected recovery timeline.
- It will help your attorney, too! – The more information (regarding your injuries) you collect, the stronger your case will be, increasing the odds of a favorable outcome that’s going to help you cover your medical bills and receive compensation for lost wages.
Delayed Medical Care Can Only Make Things Worse!
You may think that time doesn’t play a key role in these circumstances and that if you delay medical care, it’s not going to matter as much, but bear in mind that this type of reckless behavior will ultimately backfire on you.
- Fractures may become worse over time if they aren’t treated on time, and then medications won’t get the job done, but you’ll probably need surgery.
- Ligament and/or tendon injuries, if left untreated, may cause permanent instability
- Back issues that were relatively benign may turn into a chronic problem
Early intervention isn’t only beneficial for your overall health, but for your financial health, as well! The more you postpone these things, the higher your medical expenses are going to be, because you’ll be needing treatments that are far more complex and pricey.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
As stated several times above, specific symptoms won’t appear right after the accident, but after a while, and if you haven’t already seen a healthcare provider, then it’s essential to carefully monitor your condition and pay attention to the symptoms that might be more dangerous than you may think at first glance:
- Headache – If it comes and goes, then it’s probably nothing. In contrast, if it persists, then it may indicate a concussion or something more serious.
- Abdominal pain – This may indicate that you have internal bleeding, which needs urgent medical assistance!
- Numbness or tingling – They may be a sign of spinal cord injury or nerve damage
- Mood swings – Slip and fall accidents do not impact a person only physically, but also mentally. Many people become depressed, have frequent mood swings, anxiety, and many other mental health issues. That’s also something you need to work on if you notice that it’s affecting your everyday life.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, your recovery can be relatively fast or slow, but what’s most important is to address them as soon as possible, because every other option can only slow down the healing process.
About the Author:
Arthur Brown – A dad of 3 kids and is a keen writer covering a range of topics such as Internet marketing, SEO, and more! When not writing, he’s found behind a drum kit.
Please also review AIHCP’s Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification