If you slip and fall while you are in public, you may feel embarrassed by what happened and concerned that it may be your own fault. In reality, it is possible you are the victim of factors beyond your control, such as slippery floors. What you do next matters as it could have a potential effect on any civil claim you may have.
What you do next also matters for your long-term health. If you do the wrong thing, you could exacerbate any injuries you suffered. While a slip-and-fall accident may not seem like a big deal initially, the reality is that these types of incidents can cause major injuries that can have a prolonged impact on your life. Estimates suggest that there are more than nine million falls resulting in injury each year in the United States, so you are not alone.
The next steps
After a fall, it is important not to make existing injuries worse. You would be wise to take stock of your pain levels and discomfort to gauge whether you can move without exacerbating damage. You may also seek the help of a doctor, an important step for a potential civil claim. A medical assessment from a professional is important as you could have injuries of which you may not be aware. Some of the most common places to have injuries after a slip-and-fall accident include:
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Hip
- Knee
- Wrist
For older individuals, even a minor fall can have major implications. For example, a fall could result in a broken hip. That could require surgery, a lengthy recovery in a hospital, rehabilitation and more. Even if you are young, what may seem like a minor injury could result in lingering pain, weakness, limited range of motion and other implications.
Thinking about the future
A slip-and-fall accident could result in medical bills and physical implications that may affect your life long-term. If you believe you fell as a result of the negligence of another party, it is possible that financial compensation is available to you through a civil claim. Slippery floors, unmarked hazards and other things you could not prevent are not your fault, and the New Mexico civil justice system provides you the opportunity to seek recompense and justice for your pain and suffering.