Getting The Facts After a Fall — What You Should Ask a Doctor About Your Slip and Fall Injury

Unfortunately, slip and fall cases aren’t uncommon in American emergency rooms. In fact, data from the National Institute on Aging suggests 30 percent of people over 65 will experience a significant fall every year. Often, the complications related to these falls can have a substantial impact on your quality of life. 

It’s easy for slip and fall patients to feel overwhelmed after their painful ordeal. However, it’s crucial for anyone who has suffered a slip and fall to understand their injuries thoroughly. This info will help patients better manage their expectations, and it could play a pivotal role in building an injury claim. Here are a few questions every slip and fall patient should ask their doctor. 

What To Ask a Doctor After a Slip and Fall Accident

What’s The Extent of My Injuries?

Most importantly, patients must have a thorough understanding of their injuries. With slip and fall accidents involving people over 50, common injuries can include fractured hips, shattered wrists, traumatic brain injuries, and other life-altering injuries.

While this may seem obvious, it’s common for patients to feel “rushed” when they meet with their doctor. Even though your physician may explain your injuries, you may not fully understand all the medical terminology. 

Please don’t feel that you’re inconveniencing your medical provider if you need a clearer explanation of your injuries. Knowing what your injuries are should help you devise a successful treatment regimen. 

How Long Will I Need to Be in Treatment? 

Besides understanding how you’re injured, slip and fall patients should also ask how long they will need to stay in treatment. Will these injuries heal with some quality rest and relaxation, or will you need months of physical therapy? Will you ever get back to “normal” with your new injuries? 

Patients should have a rough idea of how long these injuries will affect their day-to-day lives. 

Could I Go Back to My Job? 

Speaking of “day-to-day life,” slip and fall patients may feel antsy about all of those medical bills piling up. On top of that, many people worry that these slip and fall injuries will affect their work. If you have these concerns, it’s important to tell your doctor where you work and whether these injuries will affect your job performance. 

This info is vital if you’re filing a slip and fall compensation claim. Lawyers need to know how much money you’re losing when building an injury case. 

How Long Will I Be in Pain? 

One of the most significant worries slip and fall patients have is whether their pain will be permanent. If you’re in a great deal of suffering, you must tell your doctor what you’re feeling. Patients should also ask how long these painful sensations will last. 

If your pain symptoms are chronic, you need to discuss viable long-term treatments with your doctor. In addition to physical therapy, physicians may recommend alternative therapies like acupuncture, biofeedback, or Tai Chi. Patients should also understand the benefits and risks of their pain management options.

May I Have My Medical Records?

Last, but certainly not least, slip and fall patients should obtain a copy of their medical records. While this may seem like just a formality, getting these documents is essential for building an injury claim. 

If you’re seeking compensation for your slip and fall case, the best thing you could do is get these documents ASAP. The sooner you can get this paperwork to your lawyer, the better chance your attorney could draw up a successful case.

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