Suffered a Fall Injury? Here’s What to Do Next
Although they’re not the first things that most people think of when they imagine a severe injury, falls permanently change lives. On top of the damage they can do to people’s pride, they cause lasting harm that can make it impossible to work or take care of regular affairs.
If you’ve just suffered an injury after a fall, it can be hard to know where to turn next. These quick tips should help you chart a roadmap towards a more effective recovery.
WHAT COMES FIRST AFTER A FALL?
Seeking medical attention is the first thing that you should do after suffering any injury. Trips, slips, and falls are no different.
Apart from obvious harm, such as bruising, these incidents can result in everything from permanent disabilities to sprains and broken bones that temporarily impair someone’s ability to work [1]. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA, falls are the top cause of death in industries like construction [2].
Individuals who get hurt by falling while performing their job duties should also notify their employers. This simple step can prove indispensable for those who pursue workers’ compensation claims.
THE HIDDEN LEGAL BENEFITS OF SEEKING FIRST AID
Most people know that seeking medical attention is critical because it preserves their health, but it also serves another purpose. When a slip or fall victim goes to the doctor or emergency care center, the paperwork generated during their visit is a concrete record of their injury. The bills, diagnostic reports and other information from these encounters can later act as vital evidence in lawsuits, compensation claims, and disputes.
TAKING LEGAL ACTION
The widespread ramifications of fall incidents mean that recovery can be an extended, arduous process. In addition to the initial medical consultation, victims may be prescribed ongoing treatment regimens that include everything from pain medications to physical therapy. In some cases, they’ll need to remain in the hospital while they heal or use medical devices, such as crutches and casts.
The cost of such solutions can take its toll on victims, especially for those who can’t work while they’re trying to recover. Many people turn to legal action, such as filing a lawsuit or workers’ comp claim. It’s important to understand the terms and concepts that commonly crop up in these kinds of proceedings:
- Liability means a party is legally required to remedy your injuries. This can include court-ordered settlement payments.
- Negligence occurs when someone fails to meet their duties or take reasonable steps to prevent an accident.
In Florida and other states, contributory negligence means more than one party can share responsibility for an accident. For example, if you are 25 percent at fault for a slip and fall, you can only receive 75 percent of the settlement.
States have different rules about the burden of proof in liability cases. In some, victims must show that the business should have known about the dangerous condition.
Laws often distinguish between foreseeable events and freak accidents. For example, a hardware store owner may not be liable if you tripped on gravel spilled seconds earlier. But if the spill occurred days before, the owner may be negligent for not cleaning it.
PUTTING TOGETHER A CASE OR CLAIM
Since the rules vary according to the nature of the incident and where it occurred, talking to a legal professional is always a wise move. It’s smart to get in touch with a lawyer or attorney before or right after seeking medical attention. Since these cases depend on documenting evidence and building sound legal arguments, getting started early is your best bet.
Author’s Bio:
Scott Distasio is the founder of Distasio Law Firm in Tampa. His career focus is on all types of personal injury cases. His work represents his belief that all firms should provide outstanding service to their clients. Follow @scottdistasio on Twitter to see what legal wisdom he shares next.
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