I Feel Fine After My Slip and Fall – Should I Still See a Doctor?
Most slip and fall accidents do not result in serious injuries. Often, nothing is hurt but your pride. However, many injuries do not show up immediately, so it is wise to see a doctor in many situations.
You do not want to discover that what you thought was a minor fall was in fact the cause of chronic pain or other issues that may prevent you from working or performing normal activities.
If you are hurt in a fall due to property owner negligence, a Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer at Ellis Injury Law can help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
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Hidden injuries
When someone has trouble moving or is in a lot of pain after a slip and fall, they should head to the emergency room or an urgent care center. A person who just gets up and walks away may think they are fine, but they could experience hidden injuries that do not appear for a few days.
For instance, hitting your head could cause a concussion. Sometimes, concussion symptoms do not appear obvious for a day or two, but a doctor will check you for symptoms. Concussion victims may display abnormal behavior, such as mood swings or personality changes, that they do not recognize. In these situations, it is often a friend or loved one who notices something is the matter.
Perhaps you develop aches and pain after the fall that hinder your mobility and quality of life. Instead of feeling “fine,” you end up with short-or-long-term impairment.
Slip & fall attorneys can advise you on how to proceed if your fall and injuries were due to property owner negligence. Property owners have a duty of care to keep their premises safe. A fall may prove partially the fault of the property owner and partially the fault of the victim, but you may still seek compensation.
Seeking medical attention
One reason for seeking prompt medical attention after a slip and fall is that the doctor has a record of your visit. Maybe you are none the worse for wear other than a few scrapes or bruising. However, if you begin experiencing pain several days later, or exhibit symptoms of a concussion after hitting your head, the insurance company will try to deny the fall caused the injuries.
Even if you do seek medical attention after a delay, the insurance company may state you are partly to blame for injury severity because you waited too long. Besides compensation considerations, it is always important to have your condition evaluated professionally after a fall. The sooner treatment begins, the better the odds of recovery.
What else to do after a slip and fall
A successful slip and fall case requires evidence. Going to the doctor soon after the fall helps establish that evidence. There are other steps to take after a slip and fall accident, even if you think you are fine.
Take photos or videos of the accident scene. Focus on what may have caused the fall, such as a wet floor, broken pavement, or poor lighting. If anyone witnessed your fall, ask them for their name and contact information so they can corroborate it.
Also, take pictures of your footwear and what you were wearing. The property owner may argue that your footwear was inappropriate and contributed to the fall.
Report the fall to the owner or manager of the property. Commercial establishments such as supermarkets or restaurants may have a form for you to fill out. This is further evidence that you were on the premises and that a fall occurred.
Contact a Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer
If you are lucky, a slip and fall accident causes no harm and you suffer no ill effects. Unfortunately, many slips and falls result in a long-term or chronic injury. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at Ellis Injury Law will investigate your case and fight to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our dedicated lawyers have recovered more than $350 million in settlements and verdicts for clients. You pay no fee unless you receive compensation, as we work on a contingency basis.