Accidents happen every day throughout Baton Rouge. Unfortunately, falls are some of the most common injury incidents that occur.
It’s best not to assume you’re okay after a fall. Instead, you’ll want to monitor for signs of potential injuries, whether you have slipped on a wet floor or tripped in a parking lot or an elderly loved one fell while getting out of bed at a nursing home.
While some falls result in minor scrapes and bruises, other falls can lead to more serious injuries. Let’s examine the symptoms to look for after a fall and determine when you should seek medical care.
Common Symptoms After a Fall
Falls can lead to serious injuries, especially when they happen to an older adult. According to the National Council on Aging, one in four adults over 65 will experience a fall this year. These falls will cause 3 million injuries and over $800,000 in medical costs.
A fall can lead to serious health concerns, even if you are young. Over the years, we have handled many serious fall-related cases at Bianca | Matkins. Even seemingly minor accidents lead to long-term injuries.
If you have experienced a fall, you need to be aware of any symptoms. Sometimes, these signs may be apparent after a fall. However, there are other times when they may take a few hours or even days to develop. Common symptoms to look for include:
Constant Pain
A dull ache or shooting pain is a cause for concern. When you hit the ground unexpectedly, your body’s natural response is to feel pain. Sometimes, this pain remains minor, but other times, it can be more severe.
If you experience painful symptoms, make sure to seek help. This type of pain could indicate a broken bone, sprains, or muscular damage. For many people, back pain is also a common symptom.
Swelling
This is a common symptom of a fall, especially in the extremities. You should keep an eye out for any swelling anywhere on your body. Sometimes, that could be an indication of a more serious issue, such as a broken bone, sprain, or strain.
Often, you may not notice swelling immediately after a fall. Instead, it may take some time for the swelling to become noticeable. Many times, the swelling slowly increases and can become more painful the following day. Along with swelling, you will want to see if any stiffness or pain is present in your body.
Head Injury Signs
After a fall, a head injury is not uncommon. In these cases, you need to get immediate medical attention. Persistent pain, along with numbness or weakness in the body, that doesn’t improve or starts to interfere with your daily activities is a cause for concern. A medical professional should always check out headaches or sharp pains in the head.
There’s also one fall symptom that many do not know is related to head injuries, which are urination issues. If you suddenly have incontinence or problems urinating, even when your bladder is full, that could also be related to a head injury. Symptoms like these could mean that you have suffered serious injuries to the brain or spinal cord.
Remember, head injuries can be serious, and you never want to ignore them.
Be Aware of These Other Serious Signs
While the above are some of the most serious indications of a potential injury, you will want to be mindful of these other systems.
Confusion, restlessness, or difficulty remembering things after a fall may mean you have hit your head and are suffering from a concussion. Additionally, feeling excessively sleepy or drowsy could also be related to a fall. If you suspect a possible head injury, make sure to get help from a healthcare professional right away.
Sometimes, a fall can lead to internal bleeding. The presence of blood in your urine or stool may indicate you have some type of bleeding. Always seek medical assistance for these concerns.
Take These Steps After a Fall
When it comes to accidents or injuries, you will want to take the necessary steps to ensure your well-being.
- Assess the situation: If you’re in pain, try to identify the location and intensity of the pain. Did you hit your head or any other vital body part? Is there any visible swelling or bruising?
- Get help: If you’re alone, call for assistance immediately. Notify someone nearby if you are in a public place, like a store. In case of serious injuries, do not move yourself. This can often worsen the injuries. If possible, wait for trained professionals to arrive and assist you.
- Monitor symptoms: After administering first aid, pay attention to any changes in pain, swelling, or overall discomfort. If symptoms worsen or persist, seek professional medical advice immediately. Even minor injuries can sometimes escalate into something more serious.
You will always keep a close eye on your injuries and health. If needed, make sure to take appropriate action.
Document everything: If you can, make sure to take pictures of the accident scene and your injury. If you receive treatment, make sure to keep all records. In cases where someone’s negligence leads to your fall, you or your slip and fall attorney may be able to use these records to recover the costs of your damages.
Falls happen when you least expect them. However, recognizing symptoms and getting the right care can help minimize any lasting effects.
Remember, if you wonder whether you may have the right to pursue legal action, consulting with an experienced injury lawyer can help clarify your options. At Bianca | Matkins, we offer free consultations to discuss your case.
