Slip and fall injuries can be painful, debilitating, and have long healing times. After a slip and fall accident, you may have minor injuries that heal quickly but can also be suffering from extended pain and discomfort. Slip and fall injuries can result in severe complex injuries that make getting back to your everyday activities difficult. At AICA Jonesboro, our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan to get your life back on track as soon as possible.
Injuries as a result of slip and fall accidents can include shoulder dislocations, hip fractures, head and back injuries, and various bumps and bruises. Following a slip and fall accident, there are several steps that need to be taken. These steps can vary a little depending on the circumstances of the slip and fall.
Assess Injuries Before Getting Up
The absolute first thing you should do after a slip and fall accident is to pause. Slip and fall accidents often leave you stunned as you did not expect them to happen. Getting up without thinking can lead to further injury or worsening existing one.
It’s best not to force anything. If any part of your body feels unable to move or numb, do not get up on your own. If you start to get up and a joint locks or you get dizzy, wait for help before getting up.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Depending on the severity of the slip and fall, you may have both external and internal injuries, some of which may be more apparent than others. Due to the possibility of severe trauma, it is recommended you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
You may need to be treated at the emergency room for more severe injuries or even need to call emergency services. If this is not the case, don’t assume you avoided injuries. Many injuries can have delayed symptoms that are not apparent until shock and adrenaline have worn off. For days after the accident, you could feel completely okay, and symptoms will appear later. During this period, if you continue to experience pain, discomfort, or difficulty moving, the expert team of orthopedists at AICA Orthopedics Jonesboro will assess and treat your injuries.
It is best to seek treatment even if you don’t notice any injuries immediately. A doctor may be able to find damage that is not yet causing you pain and begin treatment early on so that it does not worsen. Documentation of these injuries can also be important in any legal cases or insurance claims, so going in early can help you have proof of even minor issues.
Report Your Accident to Appropriate Authorities
If a slip and fall accident occurs while at work or in a public place, it is important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities. Workplaces are supposed to meet certain standards to protect workers If these standards and protections have not been met, it needs to be reported so that they can be brought up to code.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the regulatory body of the Department of Labor. They manage and develop labor safety standards for the United States workforce. If the location where you were injured violates these laws, you could be entitled to help with medical bills or a settlement because they were at fault.
The manager or city who is responsible for the property should be able to provide you with a report to keep with your files.
Speak to Witnesses and Document Injuries
If you are able to, after a fall, a trusted individual should take photographs of the accident scene. These photos can help identify and preserve the cause of your slip and fall injury. Take photos of things like spilled liquids, obstructions, or damaged equipment. Take note of things like posted hazard signs or other warnings regarding potential danger.
In addition to taking photos of the scene, all visible injuries should be photographed and documented. These will be important if you intend to file a legal claim to cover medical costs, loss of income, or pain and suffering.
Another crucial aspect of documenting your accident is a witness. They might assist you in documenting injuries and dangers as well as providing testimony when filing a legal case. Ask if they are willing to be a witness and take note of their contact information.
Take Notes and Maintain a File
It is vital to write down as much as you remember about your slip and fall accident. Keep your notes in a file along with any photos of injuries and the scene of the accident. Also, notate doctor visits, associated costs, and any wages lost to being out of work.
This file will be very important if you choose to take legal action. Now, if you slip and fall in your own home, there are typically not any avenues of legal recourse, but maintaining a file for your health record can be helpful.
Contact a Lawyer
Navigating the maze of the legal system can be confusing, especially if you are recovering from an injury. Hiring a lawyer to help you navigate the process will smooth the journey and allow you more time to focus on healing.
The National Safety Council estimates compensation and medical costs associated with employee slip/fall accidents are approximately $70 billion annually. An experienced attorney can help you determine the value of your claim and take appropriate action.
The aim of hiring a lawyer is to help you navigate the legal system, understand your case (both strengths and weaknesses), and help relieve some of the stress resulting from your slip and fall accident.
Do Not Assign Blame
Despite often resulting in serious injuries, slip and fall cases can be the hardest legal cases to win. Because of this, it is important to do everything in your power to strengthen your legal case. This includes but is not limited to minimizing contact with the responsible party, do not contact them directly, and never throwing out accusations or assigning blame.
Continue Required Medical Treatments
The absolute best thing you can do after a slip and fall accident is to follow all of your doctor’s treatment guidelines. Slip and fall accidents can result in severe, often life-altering, injuries, so following physician order is paramount to successful healing. AICA Orthopedics has an expert care team ready to see you through your healing journey from diagnosis, treatment, physical therapy, and even chiropractic care.
Falls in the Home
In the older population over 65, 87% of fractures are the result of falls. In the same age group, falls are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries and brain injury symptoms.
Types of Injuries
- Head injuries- TBI, concussion, intracranial hemorrhage
- Spine injuries- paralysis, herniated disc
- Pain- general or to specific areas
- Stiffness- often in joints
- Fractures- hips, arms, and ribs are the most common.
Fall Prevention
Falls are 100% preventable, and several simple steps can help. Falls are the #1 cause of death for older adults. Both older adults and working-age adults might think they can complete every project around the house, but sometimes it is better to leave these projects to professionals. If you do want to take on projects, it is important to prepare yourself to prevent injuries.
- Keep floors and surfaces clear of clutter
- Keep furniture out of walkways
- Don’t run cables or extension cords across walkways
- Always use handrails on stairs
- Don’t use throw rugs
- Never stand on chairs, tables, or any surface with wheels
- Maintain good lighting indoors and out
Falls in the Workplace
A study completed in 2021 shows in 2020, 805 workers died in falls, and 211,640 were injured badly enough to require days off of work. Construction workers are at the most risk for falls from a significant height, but falls can happen anywhere, even in a low-activity desk job.
Types of injuries seen in the workplace
- Head and neck injuries- TBI, concussion, paralysis, herniated discs
- Pain- general or in specific areas
- Stiffness- joints and muscles
- Fractures- arms and ribs are more common in the workplace than hip fractures.
Fall Prevention
Falls are more common in the workforce than in private homes. This can be because of insufficient training, substandard safety protocols, and general negligence. Whether you are working in construction, janitorial, or even in school, it is important to plan ahead and use the appropriate equipment for the task at hand.
- Ensure you and any coworkers have proper training on how to use any equipment involved in the task
- Discuss how you will complete your task
- Wear the appropriate protective equipment (PPE) to ensure optimal safety
○ This includes proper footwear, clothing, headwear, and more
- Evaluate your surrounding to identify any potential hazards
○ The weather is often overlooked, but it can contribute to slip and fall risks
- Any ladders or scaffolding should be evaluated to confirm locking mechanisms are in working order
- Keep extension and power cables out of the walkways
- Never use old or damaged equipment or tools
Treatment for Slip and Fall Injuries
Diagnosis
If you have suffered a slip and fall injury and are experiencing pain or obvious external trauma, it is important to be evaluated. Our expert orthopedic specialists will complete a full history and physical examination to help diagnose any injuries suffered in the fall. Part of the physical exam may contain tests to ascertain your flexibility and range of motion.
AICA Jonesboro has on-site advanced imaging technology to assess your injuries right away. These tests are able to give our team a clear picture of the injuries you’ve sustained.
Imaging is frequently needed to assist in finding the source of your pain or instability.
- X-ray – used to see skeletal aspects of your body, an x-ray will show if there are any fractures in your pelvis or femur. An x-ray can also show if a joint has been dislocated or subluxated.
- CT or MRI – used to visualize the soft tissues in the body such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These tests can show damage to these anatomical areas, locate swelling, or even fluid collection.
Treatment
The course of treatment for any slip and fall injuries will depend on your specific diagnosis by our specialists. After diagnosing your injury, our orthopedic team will recommend appropriate treatments to ensure optimal healing. Depending on your slip and fall injury, our specialists will recommend non-invasive or potentially surgical treatments.
Common in-home treatments for mild slip and fall injuries include:
- Medications such as anti-inflammatories, opioids (only as prescribed), or muscle relaxers.
- Ice or heat packs
- Rest
Common treatments for more severe injuries can include:
- Bracing joints with torn ligaments or tendons
- Casts for fractures
Possible Surgeries
- Severe back or joint injuries may require surgery to repair damaged bones or herniated discs
- Brain bleeds after hitting your head could result in neurosurgery
Injuries caused by slip and fall accidents can be painful and impact your daily life and even your job. We know that it can be frustrating to suffer pain and limitations in your daily tasks.
Contact AICA Jonesboro for Assistance Today
AICA Orthopedics can help to treat many types of pain and injury that you might be experiencing as a result of a slip and fall. Remember that ignoring slight pain can lead to more severe issues later. Any pain or soreness should be addressed soon after a fall.
Our goal is to create a comprehensive treatment plan to help get you on the road to recovery and back to home and work life as soon as possible. Our specialists will talk you through all of your options for your car accident injuries, and our orthopedic doctors will help you determine the best treatment plan. In addition to our orthopedic doctors, our physical therapists and chiropractors are here to ease discomfort and ensure you receive comprehensive, quality care as you recover. Call AICA Orthopedics at Jonesboro right after your accident to get ahead of the injury and start your road to recovery.