Experiencing a fall due to slipping or tripping is more common than you might think. An unfortunate incident may occur at one’s workplace or residence. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five occupational deaths happened within the construction industry—which is renowned for fall risks—in 2022.

As far as the demographics are concerned, seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing fall injuries. However, it may happen with just about any age group. Some of the common injuries that such an accident can cause include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, shoulder dislocation, etc.

A fall can have long-term consequences, making the recovery process prolonged and tedious. So, what would it take? In this guide, we will discuss four important things to keep in mind during the time of fall recovery.

Follow the Doctor’s Prescription Properly

Any type of slip-and-fall accident calls for prompt medical evaluation, no matter how minor the injuries appear. This is because the physical damage may be internal and, therefore, hidden in some cases. The medical examiner will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and early intervention based on relevant tests.

One aspect that remains common among most slip and fall injuries is moderate to severe pain. A doctor’s prime concern is often to tackle the pain first. This allows them more time to understand the root of the problem. In many cases, prescription opioids are used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Johns Hopkins Medicine states that opioids when taken as prescribed, can help relax the body and provide relief from injury or post-surgical pain. The emphasis is on following the doctor’s prescription religiously because opioids carry the risk of addiction. Over time, your body may get accustomed to the drug’s effects and demand greater doses.

Cases such as these are not uncommon. Patients with opioid addiction are often treated with a medication called Suboxone. Though approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this medicine has severe side effects. It may reduce withdrawal symptoms but often leads to oral health issues.

According to TorHoerman Law, patients have suffered from cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections/ulcers. These complications significantly affect the patient’s quality of life, requiring costly corrective surgeries.

Given the severity of the side effects, over 650 patients have filed the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit against the manufacturer, Indivior. This litigation has been active for over nine months now.

Settlements will not be made at least until June 2025 due to a three-year statute of limitations or filing window. Why get into additional hassles because of a simple painkiller? Abide by your healthcare practitioner’s prescription, and you should be fine.

Besides the medication, stick to other instructions in terms of compression treatment, rest, ice application, etc.

Get Enough Sleep and Eat Right

These two things are extremely important even without an unfortunate accident. However, their value only increases at the time of recovering from a slip and fall injury. Healthy food is crucial for the body to fight against any inflammation or infection.

So, what foods best aid your recovery? Experts recommend the following –

• Protein-rich foods like tofu and yogurt to accelerate wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory foods like flaxseeds and chia seeds to create new muscle mass
• Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C, including bell peppers, berries, and kiwis for bone repair and tissue growth
• Foods high in zinc, like whole grains, eggs, and broccoli, for faster healing

The recovery process only speeds up when sound sleep enters the picture. According to the Sleep Foundation, good sleep allows the body to slow down and engage in the process of recovery. This makes room for greater physical and mental performance.

Even in general, at least seven to nine hours of sound sleep every night is recommended. During fall recovery, it can seem difficult to get sufficient sleep due to certain chemical changes in the brain. As a result, it cannot communicate to the body to sleep as needed.

Sometimes, you may wake up frequently during the night. Despite that, maintain a consistent sleep schedule by limiting screen time and other distractions. Consume the prescribed medication to help your body relax. As mentioned earlier, just do not overdo painkillers, as your body may become heavily dependent on them.

Take it Easy, and Don’t Overdo It

An injury, depending on its severity, can alter life in unimaginable ways. Nobody gets to prepare themselves for the changes that such an incident would require. We understand that you may desire to resume your normal life as soon as possible.

Even so, it is important to avoid strenuous activities and stick to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Patients who sustain injuries due to a slip and fall accident need to take it easy and resume physical activities with caution.

Gradually, as your body heals, you will be able to walk as briskly, run about, or participate in hiking, swimming, or other sports. Just give your body the time it needs to recover completely. Strenuous activities can disrupt the healing process and pull you back to square one.

In a worst-case scenario, they may even worsen the existing damage. In the meantime, focus on low-impact exercises that do not put unnecessary stress on the injured area. Keep in touch with your doctor for guidance on the appropriate activity levels during each stage of recovery. If you want to get more information visit our website.

Know Your Legal Rights

All slip and fall accidents are not equal. Some take place within the victim’s property, while others occur on someone else’s property. For instance, one may sustain slip and fall injuries at their workplace while on duty. Another individual may slip and fall in one of their acquaintance’s homes due to a poorly secured rug or inadequate lighting.

In either case, the victim can seek legal support for their injuries. The most important criterion is to prove negligence on the part of the liable party. If you’re able to do so, the court will grant you fair compensation for physical injuries, emotional trauma, and lost wages.

Such cases of slip and fall come under premise liability lawsuits. Property owners, be it residential or commercial, bear the duty of keeping their premises safe. Any failure on their part will make the victim eligible for monetary compensation. If your slip and fall accident results from premise liability, understand your legal rights and exercise them.

We hope this article has helped you understand your rights as well as what it takes to recover fully and speedily. Most importantly, stay calm and give your body the nutrients, time, and room to heal. Address any emotional concerns in the process, and be patient with your recovery. Before you even know it, the worst will be behind you.