You may feel perfectly fine after a slip and fall accident — for a short while, anyway. It’s after your body begins to recover from what has happened that it will often let you know that something is not right. A few aches and pains and simple bruises are to be expected, but learn to watch out for other, more dangerous physical ailments that may be a result of your accident. If your slip and fall was due to improperly marked wet floors or other negligence, you should also consult a slip and fall attorney at the earliest opportunity, particularly if you are experiencing a few of the symptoms below.
Head Injury
People who slip on something, then fall and hit their heads do not always feel any symptoms beyond pain at first. The symptoms of even what is classed as a mild traumatic brain injury (or concussion) can appear within hours, however, so be on the look out for them. These symptoms include:
- Dizziness and loss of balance. If you, or the injured person, suddenly has trouble walking or keeping balance after a fall, pay attention.
- Sudden and intense headache. It’s natural for your head to hurt for a short time after hitting it, but if this pain increases suddenly, and is very intense, it’s time to get to a doctor.
- Listlessness. This is when you, or the injured person, does not feel like moving, or talking, or doing anything at all. This can be a sign of a concussion.
- Nausea. Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up after a fall can be a sign of brain injury, and should be taken seriously.
It’s a good practice to get checked out by a doctor or emergency services after any head injury, or hard thumping on the head. Contact a Chicago accident lawyer while the incident is still fresh, so that they can act in your interest while you recover.
Back and Neck Pain
A slip and fall can cause more than head injuries. If you are experiencing back or neck pain after a slip and fall, you may have injured a disc, or caused damage to some other part of your body. Don’t put off a date with a doctor in cases such as these, particularly if you are an older person. Damage that may not seem to be much at first, can progress into major problems if left untreated.
Leg Pain and Sprains
Ankle and leg sprains, and even breaks, are common after a slip and fall — and are not always immediately apparent. Even minor sprains can curtail your work and other activities, though, so don’t put off getting help. Get in touch with your doctor or other medical professionals, and be sure to consult an Illinois slip and fall lawyer.
Bottom Line
When it comes to taking care of yourself and your family, even minor slip and fall injuries can cause a lot of personal damage. Loss of work and income, among other things. Get your slip and fall attorney involved right away. If someone is at fault, they can help you get the compensation you need to take care of yourself and your family while you recover from your injury.
