Should I See a Doctor After a Slip and Fall in Mississippi?

No one likes to slip and fall—it can be embarrassing and potentially life-changing. According to The National Safety Council, slip and fall accidents account for nearly one-third of all non-fatal injuries. Unfortunately, many people downplay their injuries, assuming that those aches will soon go away, and they’ll return to “normal” life.

If you suffered a slip and fall accident, you must take steps to protect your well-being and legal rights. Clients frequently ask our Mississippi injury lawyers, “Should I go to the doctor after a slip and fall?” The answer is almost always, “yes!” In this article, our experienced team explains why.

What Are the Most Common Types of Slip and Fall Injuries?

Even though slip and fall accidents can seem like a normal part of life, they can leave you with lifelong and potentially life-altering injuries. Also, pain and many long-term symptoms will not always show up until days, weeks, or even months later. It’s often challenging to consider the long-term effects on health and overall quality of life at the time of injury.

Many types of injuries can occur as a part of a slip and fall accident. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Joint and ligament damage, especially to wrists, knees, and hips
• Broken bones and teeth
• Internal and organ damage
• Abrasions and lacerations
• Strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries

While some of these injuries are very obvious, others are subtle or develop over time.

What might seem like minor “aches and pains” or “bumps and bruises” can turn out to be early signs of a TBI, herniated disc, or joint injury. When you go to the doctor, they will likely order diagnostic tests, like x-rays or MRIs. These studies can help identify serious injuries and ensure that you get the right medical care.

When Should I Go to The Doctor Following A Slip and Fall Injury?

After a slip and fall accident, you must see a doctor. First, your doctor can diagnose and treat your injuries, identifying any longer-term issues. Second, it helps you establish a medical record, which will also add credibility to your case.

The earlier you can see a doctor, the better. When you see a doctor soon after your slip and fall, they will document your symptoms, the circumstances surrounding your injury, and other important information. Later on, if the insurance company tries to argue that your condition isn’t related to your fall or suggests that your injuries are minor, you’ll have records supporting your case.

RELATED: Randell’s Story: Getting Justice for Injuries in an Unsafe Business Premises

What Causes Most Slip and Fall Injuries?

Whether you are in a store, a government or corporate office, manufacturing facility, or even in a private residence, a slip and fall injury can happen unexpectedly. Injuries are often caused by negligence or the lack of proper safety guidelines. Here are some of the most common slip-and-fall causes:

• Wet or oily surfaces
• Cluttered walkways and obstacles, including exposed cables
• Cabinet drawers or doors left open
• Poorly lit walkways and hallways
• Uneven surfaces such as paving, stone, wood flooring
• Loose or improperly anchored mats or flooring
• Unstable structures such as ladders, scaffolding, and unprotected edges
• Gaps or holes in the floor and wall openings
• Poorly maintained stairways and railings

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, they might owe you damages. An experienced Mississippi injury lawyer can help you file a claim and demand compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Injury?

Whether you think it was a major or minor accident, it’s important to preserve your evidence and protect your legal claims.

• Call 911 for any serious or life-threatening injuries
• Take pictures of the location of the incident and include anything that shows the cause of your injury
• Collect the names of any witnesses, owners, or managers of the premises
• Consult with an experienced slip and fall attorney at Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys

In addition to getting prompt medical treatment, it’s also important to discuss your case with a lawyer early on. In Mississippi, you must file a slip and fall lawsuit within three years of the incident. If you miss this deadline, sometimes called the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to compensation.

RELATED: What to Do if You Slip and Fall in a Store in Mississippi

Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys: Fighting for Slip and Fall Victims

If you are ready to talk to an experienced and dedicated injury lawyer who will go above and beyond to ensure your best interests, call Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys. We’ve helped thousands of people get the help and compensation they deserve. Not only will you benefit from our trial-tested, aggressive tactics, but you will also benefit from our compassionate and welcoming client experience.

We offer free consultations throughout Mississippi, either in-person, by video, or over the phone. To book an appointment, call us at  251-888-8888, or complete our online form.

References:

Miss. Code. Ann. §15-1-49 (1990). Retrieved from https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-15-limitations-of-actions-and-prevention-of-frauds/ms-code-sect-15-1-49.html

Slip, trip, and fall prevention training. (n.d.) The National Safety Council.