If you slipped and fell on public or private property in Dallas, you should seek medical attention right away to determine if you suffered injuries (and how serious they are if you did). Sometimes, individuals who trip and fall may not feel symptoms of an injury immediately, as the pain could be delayed.
Therefore, whether you are experiencing minor discomfort after a slip and fall accident or severe pain, you should visit a doctor as soon after the accident as possible. A medical professional can assess your condition and determine what type of treatment, if any, is needed.
Injuries that May Have Delayed Symptoms
There are many different types of injuries an individual might suffer in a slip and fall accident in Dallas, some of which are more obvious than others. Below are a few injuries that may have delayed symptoms but could be detected if you seek medical attention within a day or two after a slip and fall accident.
Head Injuries
It can be difficult for an individual to determine the extent of their injury when the only symptom they begin to feel is a headache. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that headaches can be a sign of a concussion—or an even more severe traumatic brain injury. Such a symptom shouldn’t be ignored or treated until you have consulted with a doctor.
Torn Ligaments
If you’re experiencing pain and swelling at the injury site, don’t ignore it. Although pain and swelling could be a sign of many minor injuries, it could be serious. It may only worsen without medical attention.
For instance, an individual could mistake a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) for a minor injury if all they are experiencing is swelling and pain (Mayo Clinic). However, without prompt treatment, a torn ACL could cause other areas of the knee to strain and make it more difficult for a physician to repair.
Fractures
Cleveland Clinic reports that when a fracture is classified as a compound fracture, this means the skin is open, making the injury extremely obvious. But, when the skin does not break, you could suffer a stress fracture, also referred to as a hairline fracture. You may not realize how severe your injury is until you have a physician x-ray the area.
Other Reasons Why Going to the Doctor After a Slip and Fall Accident Is Important
Going to the doctor after a slip and fall accident isn’t just important for your health and well-being. Doing so can also impact your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, given you decide to file one against the property owner. Although you can go to the doctor a week or even a month later following a slip and fall accident, this may make it more difficult for you to recover compensation for your injuries and medical expenses.
When an insurance company learns that you didn’t need medical treatment soon after the accident, they may decide to deny or lower the value of your claim. Sometimes, companies do this because they believe your injury was suffered after the slip and fall incident, not as a result of it.
The same might apply in a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, the court may decide that the injury isn’t as severe as you claim it is. The court could dismiss your case or lower your award amount. With that in mind, you should seek medical attention directly after a slip and fall accident. Then, consider retaining a Dallas slip and fall accident lawyer.
How an Attorney Can Help After a Slip and Fall Accident in Dallas
One of the reasons why you might want to retain a slip and fall accident lawyer after falling on someone else’s property is because they can advise you on what to do afterwards. Additionally, an attorney will assess your case and determine if and how much compensation you are entitled to recover.
Generally, when a slip and fall accident victim falls on public or private property, the incident impacts their personal and/or professional life. A victim may be awarded damages to make up for this.
Some of the damages that may be awarded to a slip and fall accident victim in Dallas include:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical bills
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Transportation costs
- Lost wages
Call Us Today
If you would like to have a legal professional determine if you have a valid case, who is liable, and how much you are entitled to recover in compensation, contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins at (877) 239-4878.
And, if you’re still wondering when you should see a doctor for a slip and fall accident in Dallas, Loncar Lyon Jenkins is here to take your call to discuss this further.
