What To Do After a Fall

Stay calm, if you your child, family member or other person falls. Take time getting up. If you are in extreme pain, if you cannot get up, seek assistance, and call 911.

When anyone falls and is knocked unconscious, he or she should be immediately taken to a hospital for evaluation. Any delay could be life-threatening. Even if the injured person did not lose consciousness, a blow or jolt to the head can have serious consequences. The possibility of a concussion or other type of brain injury should not be ignored.

If these symptoms develop seek immediate medical attention:

• Headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, or problems concentrating
• Changes in behavior such as irritability or confusion
• Dilated pupils (pupils that are bigger than normal) or pupils of different sizes
• Difficulty with walking or speaking
• Drainage of bloody or clear fluids from ears or nose
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

Fall Prevention

• All walkways and stairways must be designed, constructed, and maintained to be safe and free from hazard.
• Window guards need to be installed to prevent children from falling out of windows. New York City law requires building owners install window guards if a child age 10 years or younger lives there, or if the tenant or occupant requests window guards in all buildings with three or more apartments.
• Playground surfaces must be made of shock absorbing material to cushion falls.

If you suffered a fall due to the negligence of a third party in New York, our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Find out more about our slip and fall representation, or contact us today for a free consultation.

Find out more about falls and fall prevention, in Shana De Caro's presentation to the American Association for Justice, titled "Falls: Anyone, Anyplace, Anytime".