How Long Do You Have to go to the Doctor After a Slip and Fall?

After you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Los Angeles, you’ll face a critical decision regarding medical care. On the one hand, you may believe you can put off a visit to your doctor when your injuries are relatively minor. On the other, it’s understandable that you’re concerned about delays given that California’s statute of limitations is two years.

The truth is that there’s no one answer that will be sufficient for everyone. The general rule of thumb is that you should see a health care provider as soon as possible, for reasons that your Los Angeles slip and fall accident attorney can describe in more detail.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE ASAP

There are two key reasons that it’s critical to visit the emergency room, an urgent care center, or your primary care physician immediately after a slip and fall accident.

1.   Your Health is a Priority: Both minor and severe injuries can carry serious consequences the longer you wait to visit a health care practitioner. The first step in the healing process is getting a full, accurate diagnosis. From there, your doctor can determine the best route for treatment, which may include:

• Surgery or outpatient medical procedures;
• Follow up care;
• Physical therapy;
• Pain medications; and,
• Recommendations on rest and limitations on physical activity, so you don’t risk re-injury.

2.   Timing on Medical Treatment Affects Your Rights: Getting proper medical care as soon as possible also supports your injury claim against the party responsible for your slip and fall accident. When you seek compensation for your losses, you’ll first file a claim with the property owner’s insurance company. The insurer will be looking for reasons to avoid paying your claim. A delay in getting medical treatment tells the claims adjuster that you were NOT hurt badly, so your amount of monetary damages will be reduced. In some cases, your claim may be rejected entirely.

You should consult with your Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about the specifics, but it’s recommended that you wait no longer than 72 hours after the slip and fall accident to seek treatment.

WHERE TO SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT AFTER A SLIP AND FALL

If your slip and fall injuries are life-threatening or severe, you should immediately head to a local emergency department. Examples may include situations where you lost consciousness, are bleeding severely, you’re having difficulty breathing, or you suffered trauma to internal organs.

For other injuries that are serious, but can be resolved through same-day treatment, head to an urgent care center. These facilities are staffed by qualified physicians and nursing personnel, so you’ll still receive top-quality care.

DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS WITH A LOS ANGELES PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Just as you shouldn’t wait to see your doctor after a slip and fall accident, you should also contact an experienced lawyer right away. An attorney can provide essential legal advice, as your doctor helps with treatment and recovery from your injuries. To schedule a free consultation regarding your rights as the victim of a slip and fall injury, please contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today.