It’s an unfortunate truth that no matter where you are or how careful you are, accidents always happen. Accidents often occur due to one’s carelessness or that of the people around them. Any injury or catastrophic event can be traumatic, but it can be scarier if you sustain a physical injury.
Some physical injuries can result in permanent disability, altering your life. Taking certain steps after a serious injury can help with the recovery process and get you the justice you deserve.
That’s why we’ve created this guide on what to do after getting seriously injured. Read on to find out more.
Common Injuries That Happen in Public
It can be challenging to keep track of everything happening in a public space, which is why so many accidents happen. Here are some of the most common types of injuries that occur in public.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips and falls are the most common type of accidents that happen in public. Anyone can slip on an uneven sidewalk, stairs, spills, or during bad weather. Unfortunately, these accidents are also the most preventable.
The accident may not have happened if someone had taken better care of the premises. Slip and fall accidents often happen due to the negligence of a property owner. So, if you have been the victim of a slip and fall accident, you might be able to pursue compensation and recover damages.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevator and escalator accidents result in over 17,000 injuries every year. Like slips and falls, these accidents often occur because of a negligent property owner or operator. Elevators and escalators are safe to use as long as it gets routine maintenance checks.
If not properly inspected, it can malfunction and result in severe injury. Property owners have due diligence to install the necessary safety measures. This may include guardrails, handrails, or emergency buttons.
If none of these are in place, the owner can be held liable for negligence.
Car or Truck Accidents
Car accidents can happen whether you are a driver or a pedestrian. Pedestrians often pay the price when a driver is under the influence, distracted, or too careless. Truck accidents don’t happen as often as car accidents.
However, the consequences are almost always severe. Trucks are powerful forces and can cause serious injury even at low speeds. Most trucks have a trucking company behind them, but others involve independent operators.
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle incidents are often the most devastating, especially when it involves another car. Motorcyclists receive the full force of an impact after colliding with a driver.
Even worse, some insurance companies and drivers have unfair biases against motorcyclists. If you get injured while riding a motorcycle, there is a high chance of getting seriously injured.
Workplace Accidents
66% of the 3 percent of injured American workers had to take a leave due to a workplace injury or illness in 2022.
Some industries, including transportation and construction, have a higher risk of injury. Workers in these industries often deal with large machinery, equipment, and materials. Injuries from falling objects are common, even if the falling object is small.
Some of the most common workplace injuries are not always physically apparent. Industrial workers often have to deal with dangerous and toxic chemicals. This sometimes results in chemical fires and explosions.
In some cases, exposure to toxins can result in underlying medical conditions. Hazardous chemicals can cause long- and short-term effects on the skin, respiratory system, and kidneys.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Getting medical attention should be your priority after any type of accident. It’s best to go to the emergency room even if you feel fine or the injury seems minor. This can help you start the injury recovery process and prevent long-term damage.
Many common injuries look fine on the outside but are much worse in reality. Many people feel fine after an accident due to the adrenaline that came with the events. You may only start feeling pain after things have died down, and by then, the injury could have worsened.
Here are some of the most common injuries following an accident.
Cuts and Scrapes
People in car accidents often sustain cuts and scrapes from airborne objects. This type of injury is often minor, but severe cases require stitches. Excessive bleeding can indicate a deeper cut and can result in light-headedness.
You must disinfect cuts and scrapes, no matter how small. If left alone, the wound can fester and become infected.
Head Injuries
People often feel a slight headache after hitting their head in an accident. However, any kind of head injury must receive immediate medical care. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries.
In some cases, people don’t feel anything until after a few days. If you feel confused, dizzy, or nauseous, you may have a mild traumatic brain injury. Other symptoms include blurred vision, changes in smell, sensitivity to light or sound, or ringing in the ears.
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue damage includes strains, sprains, tears, and dislocations. People often place their hands in front of them to brace for impact or break a fall. This is a natural instinct, which is why sprains are so common.
Soft tissue damage can result in long-term injury if not treated immediately. If you get a dislocated shoulder, you can regain full function as long as you get medical attention.
Burn Injuries
Chemicals, friction, electricity, and scalding liquid can cause burn injuries. Burn injuries can also happen in the workplace, especially in the food industry. Most burn injuries affect the outermost layer of the skin.
However, accidents can sometimes result in second- to third-degree burns. People with third-degree burns often do not feel pain because of nerve damage. One must never attempt to self-treat burns, especially if it is a severe injury.
Gather Information
After getting medical attention, gather as much information as possible about the accident. This can help you later if you decide to file a claim or a police report. Try not to wait too long, as the details can get hazy after some time.
Take photographs of the scene if possible. Use your mobile phone camera to document the scene, and include wide shots and close-ups. If you can’t take pictures, ask a family member or friend to do it for you.
Don’t forget to picture hazards if necessary, like a wet floor or a car’s plate number. Look around and talk to witnesses. If possible, get their contact information and ask if they can testify about what they saw.
This can help you if your injury ever reaches court. If you were in a car accident, provided that no one was hurt, exchange information with the other driver.
Get their full name and contact number, insurance details, and plate number. It’s also best to note the type of car, model, and color.
Make a Report
If the accident happened in a public space, notify the property manager or owner. You can also talk to the security guard or employees to have them retrieve the manager or owner for you. This will help ensure that no further accidents or injuries happen.
If you have not received medical attention, the property owner or manager can help you get first aid. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to tell them about your accident. You may want to avoid causing trouble or inconveniencing the workers or passersby.
However, remember that talking is not only for your safety but also for others. The property manager or owner can secure the space to ensure the safety of other customers or guests. You can also use this opportunity to get their information in case you decide to file a claim.
If the accident happened in your workplace, inform your employer after getting medical care. Do this as soon as possible to ensure everything is clear for both ends. Don’t wait 30 days to file your report, as you could risk losing your benefits from workers’ comp.
Contact the Authorities
If the accident happened in a public space, file a police report as soon as possible. This will help you if you decide to seek legal action, and it establishes a record of the incident. Include as many details as possible and use the information you gathered from the scene.
Include the location, date, time, and any witnesses who were around during the time of the accident. If you have photographic evidence, be sure to include them in your report. If you decide to seek legal action, the police report will help you with your case.
Photographic evidence leaves no room for circumstance and allows you to get the compensation and justice you deserve. The police can help identify security footage that can help you with your case. Police will also secure the scene to protect others from further injury.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer
After your condition has stabilized, it’s best to get in touch with a lawyer. They could help you get compensation if someone else was responsible for your injuries. This can help ease financial burdens if you need extensive medical care.
Choose an experienced personal injury lawyer who has dealt with similar cases to yours. Bring all documentation when you meet with them to discuss your case. The more information you can give your lawyer, the more they’ll be able to help you win compensation.
In addition, personal injury lawyers can take the legal burden off your hands so you can focus on your recovery. A lawsuit is probably the last thing on your mind after a catastrophic injury, and a lawyer can help you navigate your options. If possible, keep track of your expenses related to the accident.
This may include hospital bills, vehicle repairs, or lost wages. This can help you maximize your compensation on a personal injury claim. Visit Alpha Accident Lawyers to find a personal injury lawyer suitable for your case.
Follow Up With Your Doctor
Even if a doctor cleared you to go home, it’s best to book an appointment with your physician. Follow-up checks are essential after an accident to determine if your recovery is going well. Don’t ignore advice from doctors, and especially don’t miss your appointments.
Doing so can harm your chances of getting fair compensation. Immediately let your medical provider know if you aren’t feeling better. Your recovery should be of utmost importance.
Return to Work Only When You Are Ready
Recovering from a catastrophic injury can be difficult, so give yourself time to recover. You may need to stay away from work longer than you are comfortable with. However, this is essential if you want a full recovery.
If you go back to work too soon, your injuries can worsen and take longer to heal. In some cases, people sustain new ones by pushing themselves too hard. Take this time to rest and put on your favorite show or spend time with your loved ones.
Consider Talking to a Therapist
Accidents do not only cause physical trauma. They can also cause emotional damage and scars. A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate your case and get justice.
However, they cannot help with the mental and emotional stress of an injury. Mental health issues can persist long after your wounds have healed. Many people get anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident.
These mental health issues can encourage bad coping habits or recklessness. You may even have a loss of appetite or a sudden fear of things related to the accident. It’s essential to talk about this with a licensed professional, so you can process your emotions in a healthy manner.
What to Do After Getting Seriously Injured
Now you know what to do after getting seriously injured. Accidents can cause a great deal of physical, mental, and emotional stress.
Focus on your recovery and seek an experienced personal injury lawyer if you decide to file a claim. Thank you for reading this article. Check out our other blog posts for more helpful guides.
