Slip and Fall Advice

Injuries caused by ‘slip and fall’ accidents range from broken bones to jarred muscles. The injuries sustained can be mild or severe, according to the age and general health of the accident victim but how a slip and fall incident is treated can be important both in terms of recovery and also insurance compensation issues.

An elderly person tripping over an uneven curb or falling into a hole left unattended by workmen is probably going to sustain serious injury – more so than a younger, fitter person with supple bones and muscles. The elderly have more brittle bones and delicate muscles that respond poorly to jarring and trauma. Whatever age you are and whatever condition you are in, it is vital to seek professional advice immediately following a slip or fall, even if discomfort is minimal. Why? A slip or fall produces a collection of injuries, some that are obvious and others that might lay concealed for days or weeks following the incident. The immediate and obvious reaction to a fall is to check for breaks, serious cuts, bruises and bleeding. Although such injuries are upsetting it is often the internal damage that is more serious, to muscles and soft tissue. After a fall it is advisable to stay still while serious injuries are checked over. Do not try to get up immediately and if a serious injury is identified such as a broken bone or dislocation, stay where you are until an ambulance arrives. X-rays and hands-on examination by a medical practitioner is always the first step after an accident but bear in mind that soft tissue injury does not always show up on early examination. Take the opportunity to visit a qualified chiropractor as soon as possible to identify any serious issues.

Slip and Fall compensation

It is always tempting to ‘brush yourself off and start over’ but consider the long term effects of an accident and whether you will need to be absent from work; whether you will be able to drive a car and if not, whether it will affect your earning capacity; if you are suffering with serious muscular pain will it be necessary to employ someone to help with child care or household chores; whether you will need home nursing. All of these issues should be addressed in the immediate aftermath of an accident, not weeks or months down the line - when you finally realize you can hardly move without severe pain and discomfort. A slip and fall need not be a disaster provided the correct type of help is sought at the earliest opportunity to encourage prompt recovery and avoid long term disability.

Slip and Fall Treatment - Don't Delay!!