Slip and fall accidents in Dallas can cause serious harm, disrupting work, family life, and daily routines. If you were hurt, two things matter most right away: understanding the injuries these accidents commonly cause and taking practical steps to protect your health and your claim.
Common Injuries After a Slip and Fall
Many injuries are not immediately apparent. Getting checked out and documenting symptoms helps your recovery and your case.
- Fractures: Wrist, ankle, hip, and hand fractures are common when you try to break a fall.
- Head injuries: Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can appear hours later with headaches, dizziness, or confusion.
- Back and spine injuries: Herniated discs, sprains, and chronic back pain can follow even a short fall.
- Shoulder and knee injuries: Rotator cuff tears, dislocations, meniscus or ligament damage.
- Soft-tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and deep bruising that limit movement.
- Cuts and lacerations: From sharp edges or broken fixtures.
- Psychological effects: Anxiety and sleep issues may develop after a frightening fall.
What to Do After a Fall
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Internal injuries and concussions can take time to show symptoms. Prompt care protects your health and creates a medical record that links your injuries to the fall.
2. Check Out the Scene
Look for the hazard that caused your fall. Common issues include liquid on the floor, uneven or damaged surfaces, loose mats, exposed cords, inadequate lighting, or debris. Noting what you see helps establish what went wrong and who may be responsible.
3. Capture the Scene
Conditions can change quickly after an accident. Take photos and videos from multiple angles, including close-ups of the hazard, warning signs, lighting conditions, and your injuries. If you must leave for medical care, ask a friend or family member to return and document the area for you. If the fall happened in a business, ask that any surveillance footage be preserved.
4. Take Notes of Everything
Write down the date, time, and exact location. Collect witness names and contact information, and summarize their observations. If your fall occurred in a store or apartment complex, notify an employee or manager and request an incident report. Ask for a copy. Keep your footwear and clothing, medical bills, and receipts together in one place.
5. Consult with a Qualified Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
Insurance adjusters may call quickly and ask for a statement. Be cautious. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. A Dallas injury attorney can handle the insurer, gather evidence, and advise you on deadlines. In Texas, if you are found partly at fault, your compensation can be reduced, and if your share of fault is too high, you may not recover at all. Getting guidance early helps protect your rights.
Rochelle McCullough Helps Slip and Fall Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall, you should not have to carry the cost of someone else’s carelessness. We investigate what happened, secure evidence before it is lost, and pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, and the pain you are living with.
The lawyers at Rochelle McCullough will help fight for your rights. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.