How Do You Know If You Are Okay After a Fall?

Falls can happen to anyone at any time, from slipping on ice to missing a step on the stairs. While many falls result in minor bruises, some can lead to serious injuries that need medical care.

Anyone who falls should check their body for pain, especially in the head, neck, and spine, and watch for symptoms like dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea. These signs might point to injuries that need quick medical help.

A person should get checked by a doctor right away if they hit their head during a fall – even if they feel fine at first. What seems like a small bump can turn into a bigger problem without proper care. Getting the right treatment early helps prevent small issues from becoming major health concerns.

If you or a loved one was recently injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be owed compensation. Contact the Florida slip and fall lawyers at Landua Law today for a free case consultation to learn how we can help you. 

Key Signs to Look for After a Fall

A fall can lead to serious injuries that aren’t always obvious right away. Paying attention to certain warning signs helps determine if medical care is needed.

Pain Signs:

• Sharp or intense pain that doesn’t go away
• Pain when moving or putting weight on legs or arms
• Severe back, hip, or neck discomfort

Head-Related Symptoms:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Feeling confused or disoriented
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Uneven pupil sizes
• Nausea or vomiting

Physical movement changes need careful attention. Watch for trouble walking, standing, or using arms and legs normally.

Additional Warning Signs:

• Large bruises or swollen areas
• Cuts that won’t stop bleeding
• Tingling or numbness in any body part
• Problems breathing
• Chest pain
• Changes in bathroom habits

Any head impact requires prompt medical evaluation. Some symptoms might take hours or days to appear.

If multiple symptoms occur together, seek immediate medical care. Even mild symptoms can point to hidden injuries that need treatment.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Fall?

Stay calm and take several deep breaths before trying to move. This helps reduce panic and allows time to check for injuries.

Take a few moments to remain still and assess for pain or discomfort. Notice if any parts of the body feel numb, tingly, or hurt when moving.

Do not try to get up quickly. Move slowly and carefully when ready to stand. Roll to the side first, then push up to hands and knees before standing.

Look for any visible injuries like cuts, bruises, or swelling. Check for areas that feel tender or painful when touched.

Seek immediate medical care if:

• Hit head during fall
• Feel dizzy or confused
• Have severe pain
• Cannot move normally
• Feel nauseous
• Notice numbness or tingling

Even if feeling fine, it’s smart to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away and could get worse without treatment.

Pay attention to any new pains or symptoms that develop in the hours and days after falling. Contact a medical provider if new issues arise.

How long might it take for symptoms to show up?

Some injury symptoms appear right away after a fall, while others can take hours or days to develop. This delayed response is common and normal.

Pain, swelling, and bruising often show up within the first 24-48 hours. These are typical signs that indicate tissue damage or inflammation.

Watch for these symptoms in the first few hours:

• Immediate pain or tenderness
• Visible cuts or scrapes
• Difficulty moving
• Dizziness or headache

Symptoms that may appear within 1-3 days:

• New or worsening bruises
• Stiffness in joints or muscles
• Changes in mobility
• Increased pain levels
• Swelling in new areas

Head injuries need special attention. Someone might feel fine right after a fall but develop symptoms like headaches, confusion, or nausea several hours later.

Older adults should be extra careful about monitoring symptoms. Their bodies may take longer to show signs of injury, and healing often requires more time.

If new symptoms develop or existing ones get worse after 72 hours, seeking medical care is important. This is especially true for pain that increases instead of decreasing.

What are some common ways to manage pain and discomfort after a fall?

Rest is essential after experiencing a fall. The body needs time to heal and recover from any potential injuries.

Elevation helps reduce swelling, especially for injured limbs. Place the injured area above heart level using pillows or cushions.

Applying ice packs to sore areas can decrease pain and swelling. Use ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, with a thin cloth between the ice and skin.

Taking over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief from pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage on the label.

Basic self-care steps include:

• Moving gently and carefully
• Avoiding strenuous activities
• Staying hydrated
• Getting adequate sleep

Gentle stretching and movement prevent stiffness, but only if it doesn’t cause additional pain. Stop any activity that increases discomfort.

If pain persists or gets worse, medical attention may be needed. This is especially important for people taking blood thinners or those who experience severe pain.

A doctor can provide:

• Professional evaluation
• Prescription medication if needed
• Physical therapy recommendations
• Specific treatment plans

When should you go to the doctor after a fall?

Anyone who falls should get medical help right away if they hit their head. Head injuries can cause serious problems, even if the person feels fine at first.

Medical care is needed for these symptoms after a fall:

• Dizziness or confusion
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Ongoing pain in any body part
• Difficulty moving arms or legs
• Neck or spine pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Large bruises or swelling
• Trouble walking or keeping balance

People should not try to “tough it out” when they have pain or other symptoms. Some injuries take hours or days to show signs.

Older adults need extra caution after falls. They should see a doctor even for minor falls since they can get hurt more easily.

A doctor can check for hidden injuries like:

• Brain injuries or concussions
• Internal bleeding
• Broken bones
• Muscle or joint damage
• Spine injuries

Getting checked by a medical professional helps prevent small problems from becoming bigger issues. Quick treatment leads to better healing.

The emergency room is the best choice for serious symptoms. For mild issues with no head injury, scheduling a regular doctor visit works well.

When Should You File a Personal Injury Claim for a Fall?

Time limits apply when filing a personal injury claim after a fall. Most states require claims to be filed within 2-3 years of the incident.

For falls on government property, strict deadlines of 60-90 days exist for filing an initial notice of claim. Missing these deadlines can prevent any chance of compensation.

Important steps before filing:

• Get medical care right away
• Document the accident scene with photos
• Collect witness contact information
• Keep records of medical bills and lost wages
• Report the incident to the property owner

Filing a claim makes sense when someone else’s negligence caused the fall. Examples include wet floors without warning signs, broken stairs, or poor lighting in common areas.

Don’t wait to speak with a slip and fall lawyer after a serious fall. A legal expert can evaluate the claim and ensure proper filing before deadlines pass.

Signs you may have a valid claim:

• Medical bills from fall injuries
• Lost income from missing work
• Long-term physical effects
• Clear evidence of unsafe conditions
• Documented reports of the incident

An insurance claim often resolves these cases without lawsuits. The ability to file a lawsuit helps ensure fair compensation through insurance negotiations.

Contact the Slip and Fall Lawyers at Landau Law

The Landau Law Group offers free consultations to evaluate Florida slip and fall injury cases. Our experienced legal team helps victims understand their rights and potential compensation options.

We have the resources and expertise to gather evidence and build strong cases for our clients. Our attorneys work hard to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Getting professional legal help after a slip and fall accident is important. Contact Landau Law today to discuss your case with our dedicated team of attorneys.

You can reach us at 866-703-4878 to schedule your complimentary case review. Our legal professionals will carefully evaluate the details of your accident and explain your legal options.

The sooner you contact us after a slip and fall incident, the better we can protect your rights. We handle all communication with insurance companies and responsible parties while you focus on recovery.

Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Our Florida slip and fall attorneys are ready to start working on your case right away.

Contact us today!