When someone suddenly slips and falls, they might shout or scream out of shock on their way to the floor. The abrupt motion of them falling could also draw the attention of anyone else nearby. Those who have recently experienced a slip-and-fall may feel like the center of attention, which can create an intense feeling of embarrassment.
They are, therefore, very likely to overlook the warning signs that they might have a serious injury. All too often, those who fall in public spaces try to continue with their days as though nothing happened. Later, when they realize they have serious injuries, they have compromised their ability to pursue an insurance claim or file a lawsuit. Those who understand the reality of hard-to-notice injuries after a slip-and-fall will be in a better position to protect their interests. How do people fail to notice the signs of a significant injury after a slip-and-fall in a public place?
They have a stable injury
Some injuries don’t seem obvious when they happen because the injury doesn’t break the skin or impact their abilities right away. Fractures are often stable when they are minor breaks. Someone who breaks a bone can occasionally overlook the warning signs of their injury because they are still able to use the affected body part. It might be only after they engage in some sort of significant exercise or unusual strain, like moving a sofa, that they realize they have a hairline fracture. It is also possible for a spinal cord injury to remain stable and incomplete until a secondary trauma or exertion results in the completion of the injury.
They have a condition with delayed symptoms
A host of debilitating medical conditions aren’t obvious initially. Internal bleeding and brain injuries, as well as soft tissue injuries, often do not have obvious symptoms right after someone suffers an injury. It might be hours or even days later when pain and other symptoms start to develop.
Given the possibility that someone might have a stable or incomplete injury, as well as the possibility of an injury that has delayed symptom onset, it is often a smart idea for those involved in a slip-and-fall to seek medical evaluation afterward to rule out the possibility of a major traumatic injury, like a brain injury or a broken bone. Securing a prompt diagnosis for an injury after falling may help someone pursue an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit later, as well.