After you have suffered a slip and fall, you should seek medical attention as soon as you know you are safe from further harm. Seeing a doctor immediately following your accident allows you to get proper treatment and medical advice so you do not exacerbate your injuries during your recovery.
If you are considering filing a slip and fall claim, seeking immediate medical treatment also allows you to get a proper diagnosis, which may help you prove your injuries during any legal proceedings. The more evidence you have to back up your claims, the less can be denied about your version of events.
Ultimately, when you ask yourself, “when should I go to the doctor after a slip and fall?” you should consider this: The longer you wait, the more your injuries will change, and the more liable you will become for the consequences. When your story has inconsistencies or insufficient evidence, the accused party may attempt to discredit you in court.
Slip and Falls in Georgia
Every year thousands of people suffer slip and fall accidents in Georgia. In fact, research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that over 30% of older adults in Georgia suffered a fall in 2018.
Ultimately, slip and fall cases can affect any person, at any time, in any place – especially at work. In 2018 alone, 12 workers were killed in slip and fall accidents in Georgia – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Across the country, data from the BLS show that around 200,000 workers suffer non-fatal injuries from slip and falls every year.
Blue-collar construction workers and roofers are not the only parties frequently injured by slip and falls in Georgia. These accidents affect workers in virtually every industry, from retail to restaurants to healthcare providers and beyond.
Lastly, countless Georgia residents suffer slip and falls while they are simply trying to go about their day, whether they are getting groceries, going out to eat, or walking on a sidewalk.
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The Causes of Slip and Falls
Where there is negligence, there can be a slip and fall accident. Ultimately, these accidents can be caused by property owners, employers, manufacturers, everyday citizens, and everyone in between.
Common causes for slip and falls include:
- Slick surfaces or uncleaned spills
- Sudden drop-offs
- Uneven ground or holes in concrete
- Failing to secure tables, chairs, cables, or carpet
- A lack of warning signs
- Nails sticking out from floorboards
- Failing to clear wet spots from rain or snow
- Inadequate railings
- Defective products.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Slip and Falls
Depending on the severity of the fall, injuries can range from cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries and wrongful death.
Common injuries from slip and falls include:
- Fractured hips
- Broken hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Head injuries, including concussions and damage to the brain
- Internal injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries, which can cause paralysis in severe cases
- Injuries to the lower back
- Loss of hearing.
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The Time Limit on Filing Slip and Fall Claims
O.C.G.A §9-3-33 places a general two-year statute of limitations on most slip and fall claims in Georgia. However, if you wish to file a claim against a government organization, you may be subjected to a much shorter statute of limitations.
In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5, claims against cities must be filed within six months of your slip and fall accident. When filing a claim against the state government, O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26 dictates a one-year statute of limitations – the same goes for claims against counties.
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Georgia Slip and Fall Lawyers Fighting for You and Your Family
At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating slip and falls can be. That is why our attorneys can help victims seek justice all over the state of Georgia. If you decide to retain an attorney at our firm, we represent your case every step of the way.
Throughout your proceedings, we can help assign case values, gather evidence about your accident, provide legal advice, and so much more. Above all else, our attorneys can help ease your legal burdens during this challenging time in your life.
If you are still asking, “when should I go to the doctor after a slip and fall?” or if you have any other questions on your mind, our team is happy to offer you a free consultation today.
To get started, call a representative at Bader Law Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888.
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