As a lawyer, I often get calls from people who slip, fall, and hit their head. These accidents may seem small at first, but they can lead to serious injuries. If you slip and fall, it is important to act fast to protect your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what you need to know if this happens to you.
First Step: Get Medical Help
If you hit your head in a fall, you must see a doctor right away.
Even if you feel fine, you could still have a brain injury. Sometimes head injuries do not show symptoms right away.
Waiting too long can make your injury worse and also hurt your legal case.
A doctor can check for:
- Concussions
- Brain bleeds
- Skull fractures
- Swelling
Quick treatment can save your life or prevent a serious problem.
Watch for Warning Signs
After a fall, it is important to watch your body for signs of trouble.
You should call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you notice:
- Severe headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Trouble speaking or walking
- Memory loss
- Sleepiness that feels unusual
These could be signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which needs immediate care.
Report the Accident
If you fall at a store, restaurant, or other public place, report the accident right away.
Ask for a manager or employee. Tell them what happened. Ask them to make a written report.
If possible, get a copy of the report before you leave. If they won’t give you one, at least take a photo of it or write down the details yourself.
Reporting the accident creates a record. This can be very important later if you need to file a claim.
Document Everything
If you can, gather evidence at the scene.
Take pictures of:
- The area where you fell
- What caused the fall (like wet floors, loose mats, or broken stairs)
- Any warning signs (or lack of them)
Also:
- Get the names of any witnesses
- Keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing
- Write down exactly what happened while it is fresh in your mind
All of this information can help your lawyer build your case.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
If the doctor tells you to rest, go to therapy, or take medicine, do it.
Follow-up care is important for two reasons. First, it helps you heal. Second, it shows that you took your injury seriously.
Insurance companies look for reasons to deny claims. If you skip appointments or ignore medical advice, they may use that against you.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you slip and fall and hit your head, it is smart to talk to a lawyer.
A lawyer can:
- Review the facts of your case
- Explain your rights
- Talk to the insurance companies for you
- Help you get money for your injuries, bills, and lost wages
You should not deal with insurance companies alone. They often try to offer low settlements. A lawyer knows how to fight for the money you deserve.
What If You Wait Too Long?
Every state has time limits called statutes of limitations.
If you wait too long to file a claim, you could lose your right to recover anything. The clock usually starts ticking the day you fall.
A lawyer can tell you how much time you have. But it’s always best to act quickly.
Possible Compensation After a Fall
If someone else’s carelessness caused your fall, you may be able to get compensation.
You could recover money for:
- Medical bills
- Therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical needs
The amount you can recover depends on how badly you were hurt and other facts about your case.
As a lawyer, I have seen how serious a slip and fall can be, especially when it involves a head injury.
Do not ignore your symptoms. Get medical help right away. Gather as much information as you can. Talk to a lawyer you trust.
Protect your health first. Then protect your rights.
If you take these steps, you put yourself in the best position to recover and move forward.
This post was written by a professional at Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law.
For over 20 years, the law office of Jeanette Secor, PA in St. Petersburg, FL, has been the go-to choice for those seeking justice after an injury. Renowned as pinellas county personal injury attorney, Jeanette Secor has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slip-and-fall incidents.
