Falls tend to catch a person completely off-guard. They can easily derail your day and sometimes your entire life. After falling, you may immediately recognize that you have sustained serious injuries. However, in some cases, you may not yet realize the extent of the harm.
You may feel reluctant to go to the doctor if you don’t feel you have been seriously hurt. Nonetheless, a doctor’s examination can give you peace of mind after a fall. Further, a medical examination can help you document your injuries and the treatment for them. Such documentation can be of great value if you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit later on.
The attorneys of Kiley Law Group have decades of experience in supporting and advocating for Massachusetts personal injury victims. If you have fallen in a public place and are wondering if you have legal recourse, please reach out to our legal team as soon as possible. We have built a record of success in premises liability cases.
Contact us today at (888) 435-1321 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation. We are standing by to help.
Reasons to Go to the Doctor After a Fall
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 37 million falls are severe enough to require medical attention each year. A doctor will know what to look for after a fall and can monitor you for changes in your condition. You also will receive guidance on what to report if you notice further changes.
The following are signs of potential injury that should especially prompt you to seek immediate medical attention.
Continuous pain
Hitting the ground unexpectedly will likely result in an immediate flare of pain. If the pain does not resolve quickly, or if more or worse pain emerges after the adrenaline from the accident wears off, you should pursue medical attention.
Back pain can occur even after a minor fall. If you experience increased back or next pain, it is wise to have a full medical evaluation. This will ensure that you have not suffered a more serious injury than previously thought.
Sudden, sharp pain
Broken bones and other serious injuries often result in sudden, sharp pain. At times, light pressure or movement can be extremely painful, indicating a break or fracture.
Signs of swelling
Swelling often indicates injury and should be monitored closely. Swelling can indicate a broken bone or serious sprain. Many times, swelling is not immediately noticeable after an accident but may increase in the hours after the fall, becoming more and more painful.
Significant bruising
You may get up from a fall, feeling that you did not suffer any serious injury, only later to realize that you have substantial bruising. Such bruises can indicate a high level of trauma and may be evidence of serious sprains, strains, or eternal bleeding. A doctor can examine your bruises and assess the extent of your injury.
Severe lacerations
It is not uncommon for a person to end up with severe lacerations after a fall. These may require immediate medical attention, especially if you are bleeding profusely. Prompt medical treatment can reduce both the risk of infection and the potential for scarring.
Limited movement
It is reasonable to expect a little stiffness after a fall. However, it should resolve quickly after stretching and moving around. Not all injuries are immediately apparent, and if you develop serious pain or stiffness in the days after your accident, you may need to see a doctor.
If you have severe pain or mobility limitations immediately following the accident, make sure to call for emergency medical care.
Stomach pain
Stomach pain may seem unrelated to a fall but can indicate internal damage, including internal bleeding. At times, stomach pain can be referred pain from somewhere else in the body, thus indicating injury.
Indications of a head injury
If you hit your head during a fall, you should quickly seek medical attention. Some indications of a head injury are evident straight away, but in cases of more minor brain injury, you may not immediately show signs that someone else can identify.
Common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, or other changes in vision
- Headache
- Ringing in your ears
- Dizziness, vertigo, or loss of balance
- Confusion or disorientation
Signs of a brain injury can vary depending on the severity of the accident. Any suspicion of a head injury should be immediately addressed by seeking medical attention.
Not feeling “right”
If you have fallen and feel “off” in any way, you should have a medical professional evaluate you as soon as possible. A doctor’s role is to provide peace of mind when it comes to your medical needs, including caring for your injuries after a fall. Consulting a doctor can help alleviate your anxiety and ensure the state of your health.
See a Doctor Even If You Do Not Have Symptoms
Sometimes you might not think that you were hurt at all. Even in such cases, it is wise to see a doctor, as it can take time for some symptoms to manifest.
Head injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal bleeding are not always immediately evident after an accident. It is in your best interest to get a medical check-up after a fall to rule out any serious injuries or complications.
Seeing a Doctor Can Help Your Slip and Fall Case
Slip and fall injuries are often due to another person’s negligence. Under premises liability law, property owners and managers are required to reasonably maintain their properties to ensure the safety of visitors. A property owner who fails in this regard could be held responsible for the injuries you sustained on the premises.
If your slip-and-fall accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be considering pursuing legal action to hold that party accountable. If so, it is recommended to seek medical attention soon after your fall.
When you visit a doctor, you are taking the important step of having your injuries examined. You will ascertain the extent of your injuries and what is required to treat them. By getting a doctor’s evaluation, you will also be documenting that you acted early in establishing that you are hurt and that you have a professional medical opinion of what your injuries are.
Falls are expensive, and medical bills can add up quickly. You may be facing further financial hardships if you have had to miss work or require a reduced workload as you recover. Both economic and personal losses may be factored into the damages you could be awarded for your claim. By taking timely action, you can move forward with your personal injury claim and gather the evidence you need to establish why you are seeking compensation for your injuries.
The more diligent you are in seeking medical care, the better your chances are of pursuing a successful lawsuit. If you delay medical treatment, the defendant could question the severity of your injuries and the actual impact it had on your life. Time is of the essence.
A Doctor Can Help You Link Your Injuries to Your Fall
Insurance adjusters are notoriously difficult to negotiate with. Following an accident, the insurance company will likely do everything possible to deny your injury claim. If you choose not to seek prompt medical attention after your fall, the insurer could use this against you. They might allege that your injuries were the result of a subsequent incident, or not of any serious consequence.
When you see a doctor immediately after your fall accident, he or she can prepare a full medical report, detailing all of your injuries. This can serve to establish irrefutable evidence that there is a direct link between your fall and the injuries sustained. With such medical records in hand, the negligent party may be more likely to settle your case and award you just and fair compensation.
Contact a Massachusetts Slip and Fall Lawyer for Help
If you have suffered serious injuries after a slip-and-fall, you may be overwhelmed by the idea of pursuing a legal claim while trying to make a full recovery. However, recovering compensation for your pain and suffering can play an essential part in getting your life back on track after an accident.
You do not have to navigate the legal system alone. The committed personal injury attorneys of Kiley Law Group want to hear your story. With over 40 years of experience behind us, we know how to maximize your ability to recover the compensation you deserve.
We can hold the negligent parties accountable for the loss they brought on you, but only if you take each step. Please call the Kiley Law Group office today at (888) 435-1321 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We can help you get the justice you are due.
