A slip and fall can happen in seconds. You might fall at a grocery store, restaurant, workplace, apartment complex, parking lot, hotel, or another public place.
And just like a minor car accident, you may stand up afterward and think, "I'm fine."
But pain and other symptoms aren't always immediately obvious after a fall. Once the initial shock wears off, you may begin noticing soreness, swelling, headaches, back or neck pain, or other symptoms.
Whether a fall happens at home, at work, or on someone else's property, your health should come first.
Why Might an Injury Hurt More Later?
Immediately after an unexpected fall, your body is responding to a stressful event. You may be embarrassed, startled, or simply focused on getting back up.
As time passes, symptoms may become more noticeable.
After a fall, pay attention to symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or confusion
- Neck or back pain
- Hip pain
- Shoulder or wrist pain
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty walking
- Numbness or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increasing pain
Some injuries are relatively minor. Others may require medical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, or emergency treatment.
Did You Hit Your Head? Don't Ignore It
Head injuries deserve particular attention after a fall.
You don't necessarily have to lose consciousness to have a head injury. Symptoms such as a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual drowsiness, weakness, seizures, difficulty speaking, or significant changes in behavior can be concerning.
If someone loses consciousness, develops serious neurological symptoms, or appears to have a potentially life-threatening injury, call 911 immediately.
When Should You Go to the ER After a Fall?
Not every slip and fall requires emergency-room treatment. However, an ER may be appropriate when the fall results in significant or concerning symptoms.
Seek emergency medical attention for symptoms such as:
- Severe pain
- Significant head injury
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe dizziness or confusion
- New weakness or numbness
- Difficulty speaking
- Inability to stand or walk
- A visibly deformed limb or suspected serious fracture
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
When evaluating an injury after a fall, physicians may determine that diagnostic testing such as an X-ray, CT scan, or other imaging is medically appropriate.
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall?
Once immediate safety and medical needs have been addressed, documenting what happened can also be helpful.
1. Report the Accident
If you fall at a business, workplace, apartment complex, hotel, or another managed property, notify an employee, manager, supervisor, or property representative.
Ask whether an incident report can be completed.
2. Document the Area
If you're physically able and it is safe, take photographs or video of the area where you fell.
Document conditions that may be relevant, such as:
- Wet or slippery flooring
- Uneven surfaces
- Broken pavement
- Poor lighting
- Objects in a walkway
- Damaged stairs or handrails
- Ice or other environmental conditions
- Warning signs—or the absence of them
Conditions can change quickly. A spill can be cleaned, an object can be moved, or a damaged area can later be repaired.
3. Get Witness Information
If someone witnessed the fall, consider getting their name and contact information.
A witness may later be able to provide information about what they observed.
4. Don't Ignore Your Symptoms
Pay attention to how you feel in the hours and days following the accident.
If you're experiencing concerning symptoms or believe you may have been seriously injured, seek appropriate medical attention.
A medical evaluation also creates a record of the symptoms you reported and the care you received.
Emergency Care After a Fall in East Dallas
If you've experienced a serious fall in East Dallas, White Rock Lake, Casa Linda, Casa View, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, or a nearby Dallas community, access to emergency medical care may be important depending on your injuries.
White Rock Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency care in East Dallas, with diagnostic imaging and radiology resources available when medically appropriate.
Whether an injury happened at home, work, a business, or another location, don't dismiss significant symptoms simply because the accident initially seemed minor.
For a potentially life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
What If the Fall Happened at a Business or Someone Else's Property?
After receiving appropriate medical care, you may have questions about documenting the accident, communicating with insurance companies, preserving records, or determining whether you should speak with an attorney.
Accident Advocate Network provides free accident-victim advocacy and educational support. It can help accident victims understand next steps, stay organized, and connect with appropriate resources, including attorneys when requested.
Accident Advocate Network is an independent service and is not a law firm or medical provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I report a slip and fall even if I feel okay?
If the accident occurs at a business, workplace, or managed property, documenting and reporting what happened can create a record of the incident. Your symptoms may also change afterward.
Should I take pictures after a slip and fall?
If you can safely do so, photographs of the area and conditions at the time of the accident may help document what happened.
What if I start hurting the next day?
Some symptoms may become more noticeable after the accident. New, persistent, severe, or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.
Should I go to the ER after hitting my head?
A head injury accompanied by concerning symptoms—such as loss of consciousness, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, seizures, weakness, or other significant neurological changes—requires prompt medical attention.
Where can I find an emergency room near White Rock Lake or Casa Linda?
White Rock Medical Center provides 24-hour emergency care in East Dallas, serving patients from White Rock Lake, Casa Linda, Casa View, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, and surrounding Dallas communities.
What should I remember after a slip and fall?
Take care of yourself first. Report what happened, document the scene when possible, keep relevant records, monitor your symptoms, and seek appropriate medical care if you're injured.