Vacation is that time of the year that we are supposed to get to sit back and enjoy ourselves and our families. Most of the time, that’s exactly how it goes. With the exception of a late flight or the kids acting up out of impatience or just being sleepy, the majority of us go on to relax and recharge as it was intended for us to do.
However, on occasion, our utopia of a vacation can be interrupted by a tragic injury. Sometimes, they are minor and only require a band-aid and a kind word. Other times, a trip to the emergency room is necessary.
Being away from home can immediately make things even more uncomfortable. Legal situations can unnecessarily complicate matters. Below are the steps you should follow to keep the law from being as much of a thorn in your side as the actual injury.
The Basics
Whether you injure yourself in a grocery store while picking up a few things for dinner or a passing car clips you while you are crossing the street, you need to let someone know as soon as you can. There are many establishments that have their own policies concerning injured guests.
This not only helps you by bringing attention to the possibility that you may need help but will help the business involved may sure that the factors that caused the incident are not repeated for future guests. Make sure to document the scene. Many places of business will be prompt to clean up any messes.
While this is beneficial to the present customers, they may inadvertently erase much-needed evidence. Use your phone to get pictures of the anything that may have contributed to the accident. Get shots of the injury, itself and of anyone else involved.
Seek Medical Treatment
No matter where we are when we are involved in an accident, most of us tend to shy away from the attention we don’t think we need. This could be a major mistake. Even if you are feeling fine, you should seek medical attention. Unfortunately, there is always the possibility that you have been injured in ways that you cannot see or feel immediately.
Accidents such as a vehicle collision, a fall from 6 feet or more off the ground, or blow to the head may or may not produce symptoms at the time of the incident. On occasion, there are sudden onset symptoms that may not show up for a day or two afterward. This is one of those cases where it is better to be safe than sorry.
Follow Up With a Lawyer
As soon as you can after you have received medical attention for your wounds, you are going to need to seek legal help. No matter what the situation is, it is prudent to follow up with a lawyer. Whether your injuries are minor or life-altering, they can tell you whether or not you have reason to sue.
Not only that, but they will be able to help you with the jurisdiction of the matter. Your attorney may not have jurisdiction in the town you chose for your vacation. If he/she doesn’t, they can most likely point you to a firm that does.
Following up with your attorney may not be a popular idea and is likely to make waves, but in the end, you will be assisting yourself with recovery and making sure that the details that led to your accident don’t pave the way for someone else to suffer the same fate.
Vacation is a time of relaxation, but sometimes life has other plans. Refer here for help when those plans involve an injury on vacation.
