The World Health Organization (WHO) shows that more than 600,000 people worldwide fall annually, making falls the second leading cause of intentional or unintentional injury deaths. Slip-and-fall accidents are generally premises liability accidents and are common in individuals working in high-risk environments and senior citizens.
After a slip-and-fall accident, it’s only logical that you’ll be confused and mostly concerned about your injuries, the subsequent medical bills, and the loss of earning capacity. However, it’s important to note that the steps you take after a slip-and-fall incident will directly impact any potential compensation you’ll be awarded. It is crucial to seek medical attention to have your injuries accessed. Consulting with an experienced California slip-and-fall attorney will help you figure out when you need to visit a doctor, along with any other legal concerns.
When Is It Advisable to Seek Medical Care After a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Under California law, there is no set time frame to be examined by a doctor after a slip-and-fall accident. However, if the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence and you intend to take legal action, you should seek medical care immediately.
There are several critical reasons why paying a visit to your primary care physician, the emergency room, or an urgent care center as soon as possible is vital. Some of the reasons include the following:
1. Prioritizing Your Health
Regardless of how severe or minor your injuries are, getting a thorough check-up after a slip-and-fall accident is wise. If left untreated, superficial wounds can develop into serious complications.
Hitting your head can lead to a traumatic brain injury, including a concussion. The symptoms of a head injury may not be immediate, but a medical exam will give you a good baseline for when the symptoms emerge.
2. Full Medical Report
Getting treatment immediately after the accident can help tie your injuries to the fall. Your doctor can provide official records of the costs incurred for emergency medical treatment, surgical procedures, medications, physical therapy, and more. You can use this report to get compensated for your medical expenses if your California slip-and-fall lawyer can prove that your injuries are consistent with the fall.
3. Avoid Disputes With Insurance
First, you must file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company to seek compensation for your losses. If you delay seeing a medical professional after the slip and fall accident, you may give them a reason to deny you the compensation you rightfully deserve. The insurance adjusters can claim that you sustained injuries from a separate accident.
4. Help Your Claim
Seeking immediate medical care aims to support your injury claim against the liable party for your slip-and-fall accident. A California lawyer must prove the responsible party’s negligence caused your accident. Supported by sound evidence from medical reports and witness statements, they’ll proceed to take over communication with insurance agents to get you the compensation you deserve.
A California slip-and-fall lawyer will also advise you on when to file your claim to ensure you abide by the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident. There may be no deadline for when to seek medical attention for your injuries, but there is a timeline for when you can file your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Contact Setareh Law Today for Legal Assistance
Seeking immediate medical attention after a slip-and-fall accident is imperative to your health and strengthening your legal claim. Delayed treatment could otherwise weaken the basis for your injury lawsuit. At Setareh Law, we are the right fit for you as a highly accomplished personal injury law firm fully dedicated to helping California accident victims recover their rightful compensation. Our team also speaks Spanish.
Our commitment to you as a client extends beyond the office, and we won’t hesitate to make a house call or visit you in the hospital. Are you the victim of a slip-and-fall accident in California? Schedule a free consultation with our seasoned slip and fall injury attorneys or reach us directly by calling (310) 659-1826 today.