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Connecticut law does not set a deadline for how soon you must see a doctor after a slip-and-fall. However, it is essential to seek medical attention as quickly as possible after such accidents.
Prompt medical attention after a slip-and-fall can help you avoid serious, even fatal, health complications. Seeking medical care can also help protect your right to pursue financial compensation for damages.
Falls can happen to anyone but occur among 1 out of every 4 older adults in the United States. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Connecticut slip-and-fall, the fast-acting personal injury lawyers at Gould Injury Law are here to help.
For fast and aggressive legal representation, contact our law firm today. Call us 24/7 at 888-WIN-FAST to schedule a free case evaluation.
Connecticut Slips and Falls Can Cause Severe Injuries
Regardless of what caused your fall, hitting the ground suddenly can cause a wide range of severe injuries. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall, our legal team can help you get the medical and financial help you need – and fast.
The following are some common injuries associated with slip-and-falls:
- Broken bones: The force of a fall can put too much pressure on a person’s bones, causing a break. The elderly are especially susceptible to breaking a bone in a fall. Broken bones can lead to blood clots and other medical complications.
- Cuts and lacerations: Falling on broken glass, sharp objects, or other debris can cause severe cuts. Lacerations can result in scarring along with damage to nerves, muscles, and soft tissue.
- Soft tissue injuries: A soft tissue injury is not visibly apparent, and it may take days for symptoms to develop. Ankle and wrist sprains are common after slip-and-falls. When left untreated, a soft tissue injury can result in chronic pain and leave you vulnerable to other serious injuries.
- Concussions: A concussion may occur if a person’s head collides with the ground or another object. Symptoms of a concussion include nausea, headache, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: The impact of a fall can cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, pinched nerves, and other debilitating injuries. An injury to the spinal cord can lead to partial or full paralysis depending on the location of the spinal injury.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): In addition to concussions, a fall can cause many other types of TBIs including hematomas, skull fractures, and hemorrhages. It may take hours or even days for the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries to become apparent.
Reasons to Visit a Doctor Immediately Following a Connecticut Slip-and-Fall
Regardless of if you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to visit a doctor immediately after a slip-and-fall accident. If it turns out you do not have any injuries, you will have the peace of mind that your health is intact. On the other hand, if you have been injured, the doctor can help you get the treatment you need so that you can begin to recover.
Consider the benefits of visiting the doctor whether or not you are experiencing symptoms after a slip-and-fall.
Seeking medical attention when you do not have symptoms
Immediately following a slip-and-fall, it may appear that you did not sustain any injuries, or that your injuries are minor. You may be able to stand up, walk, and continue on with your day. Even in this situation, it is recommended to get examined by a doctor.
As time passes, you may notice a bruise or cut, or you may experience muscle soreness or back pain. In more severe cases, you may find out that your lingering headache is a concussion or other traumatic brain injury.
It can take time for the symptoms of brain injuries, soft tissue damage, internal bleeding, spinal injuries, and other injuries to fully manifest. The longer you go with one of these undiagnosed conditions, the more debilitating and fatal they can be. A physician will know what to look for after a fall and can monitor you for changes in your health.
Seeking medical attention when you have symptoms
In some situations, you will immediately know that you were injured. You may feel your ankle, wrist, or other body part snap. If you hit your head, you may feel dizzy or nauseous.
Seeking medical attention right after your slip-and-fall will allow you to get the proper treatment and medical advice you need. If you wait to see a doctor, you could exacerbate your injuries, lengthening your recovery time. Depending on your injuries, failing to get treatment could have life-altering consequences or even result in death.
The longer you wait to see a doctor, the more your injuries could change and the more liable you will be for the consequences.
How Going to a Doctor After a Fall Helps Your Claim
If your slip-and-fall was on someone else’s property, a personal injury lawyer could help you pursue compensation for damages. In order for your claim to be successful, you will need to provide evidence showing that your injuries were a direct result of the property owner’s negligence.
Medical records provide a solid piece of evidence linking your injuries to the slip-and-fall accident. By failing to get prompt medical attention after the accident, the property owner and the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or are the result of a prior injury.
When you visit a doctor right after the incident, you will have proof of what your injuries are and when they occurred. You will have documentation that you acted promptly in establishing that you are injured. The doctor’s medical records will provide a connection between the slip-and-fall and your injuries.
Documents that your doctor can provide as evidence for your slip-and-fall case include:
- Admission forms
- Test results
- Hospital records
- X-ray results
- Prescription medications
- MRI results
- Follow-up schedules
The faster you contact Gould Injury Law after a slip-and-fall, the faster we can get started gathering evidence and building a solid case for you.
Proving the Extent of Your Connecticut Slip and Fall Injuries
Acting fast in slip and fall cases is important if you are pursuing compensation for damages. The more diligent you are in receiving medical care, the better your chances are of winning your case.
If you delay seeing a doctor, the property owner could claim that your injuries are less severe than you say. You will need to provide proof not only that the defendant caused your injuries but also evidence of the extent of your injuries.
By seeking prompt medical treatment, you will have proof of the following:
- Medical documentation of the extent of your injuries
- The type of harm the slip-and-fall caused
- The medical treatments you need
- Future medical treatments you may require
- How the accident has affected your quality of life
- You suffered financial damages as a result of the fall
How a Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After Your Slip-and-Fall Accident
At Gould Injury Law, we know how devastating slip-and-fall accidents can be. We also understand how important financial compensation can be after sustaining a severe injury. As your personal injury lawyers, we will work fast to help you recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive.
If you decide to retain the services of our law firm, our fast-acting attorneys will represent your case every step of the way.
Throughout the legal proceedings, we will:
- Determine if you have a valid claim
- Assign case values
- Gather evidence
- File all paperwork
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Provide legal advice
- Communicate with you regularly
- Take your case to court if necessary
As your slip-and-fall lawyers, we will work hard and fast to ease your legal burdens and provide you with peace of mind during this difficult time.
Compensation Available to Connecticut Slip and Fall Victims
Slip and fall injuries can be expensive, with bills for medical treatments, prescriptions, and procedures quickly adding up. Additionally, you may be unable to return to work during your recovery, which could mean reduced income or earning ability. You need a financial payout fast!
The attorneys at our law firm can help you pursue compensation for all damages sustained as a result of the accident. Our aggressive and skilled slip and fall lawyers will get your claim settled as fast as possible.
After your Connecticut slip-and-fall, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Emotional distress and more
Contact “The Fast Firm” If You Have Suffered Injuries in a Connecticut Slip-and-Fall
Seeking medical attention immediately after a slip-and-fall is important to your health and your financial recovery. Waiting to see a doctor could weaken your case and cause you to lose out on your right to compensation. It is best if you can prove that you sought medical help right after you were injured.
Some slip-and-fall victims hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney because they are concerned about the cost. At Gould Injury Law, our fast-working attorneys take all personal injury cases on contingency. This means you do not pay any upfront costs or fees. We only get paid if your case is successful and you receive compensation.
Our legal team understands that you want to get your life back on track as soon as possible after an injury. We pride ourselves on being “The Fast Firm.” Our lawyers will do everything possible to accelerate your claim.
Call us at 888-WIN-FAST, start a live chat, or complete the evaluation form to schedule a free case evaluation.