July 03, 2014

Steps to Take if You Are Injured on Vacation

When you and your family go on vacation, the last thing that you want to think about is a potential accident or injury. Nobody plans to get hurt or sick, especially when away from home. However, the fact remains that there are just some things that are outside of your control. If you do get sick while on vacation, it is important to know what you can do to get yourself well and what needs to be done as soon as you get back home. Should an accident or injury happen to you or a family member, your accident attorney in Los Angeles can help you take the next steps in the legal process. Knowing what to do when you are injured on vacation allows you to get the support and information you need moving forward.

Document the Events

Dangerous accidents obviously do not only happen when you are out of the country. Even if you are traveling to Los Angeles for only a weekend, it is still important to know the steps to take if something does happen. The first thing to do is immediately document the incident so that you have evidence when you pursue a claim later on down the road. Take photos of the scene and of your injury and write down notes about your surroundings. For example, if you slip and fall while on a cruise ship, you will want to note what the weather was like, if there were any cautionary signs warning you of the hazardous conditions, and if the floor was wet. This will help your attorney build your case if negligence is the cause of your injuries.

Get Medical Attention Right Away

If your injuries are serious, you should seek the appropriate medical attention immediately. People choose to bypass this step in the process due to the fact that they are on vacation and far away from their trusted doctor. However, the most important thing to consider is your health. When dealing with more serious injuries, having documentation from your doctor’s visit will help your accident injury attorney put together your legal case.

Visit Your Own Doctor

As soon as you return home, see your own doctor. Let your doctor know about what happened so that he or she can check on your progress and see if any of your injuries have worsened. Once your appointment is over, be sure to document any changes in your condition because this information is important to your case. Additionally, you have a prior relationship with your doctor and he or she already knows your medical history. You will get an accurate assessment from someone you trust.

Injuries on International Trips

If you are traveling outside of the United States and are injured, it is even more critical to get the help you need. When a car accident occurs or if you are hurt in a slip-and-fall scenario, the first thing you will need to do is see a doctor. If you have travel or evacuation insurance, contacting your provider will allow you to the get information you need to file a claim. In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you think you need further assistance with your situation while you are out of the country.

Contact a Lawyer

Getting in touch with an accident injury attorney when you are back at home lets you get the information you need to start building your legal case. If you are injured overseas or on a cruise ship, you may be facing a shorter statute of limitations in order to file a claim in court. Your vacation accident lawyer will help you navigate these mazes so that you know your legal options.

Most attorneys provide clients with a first session free of charge to discuss the situation and assess the case. They also work cases on contingency, meaning that you do not owe any fees for your representation until you win your lawsuit against the persons or company responsible for your injuries. When you have all of the documentation from the incident, your attorney will build your case to give you the best chance at recovering finances you deserve to cover medical bills associated with your injury. Since there is no financial obligation or risk with contacting a lawyer to represent you, it is a good idea to put this high on your priority list.

Final Thoughts

If your injury requires you to stay in the hospital, you are undoubtedly concerned about rising costs while your case progresses. This is why documenting the incident, seeking out medical attention, and reaching out to an attorney quickly is critical. If your lawsuit is successfully settled, you will receive a lump sum of money to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you are going through due to your accident.

Source:

1. “Know What To Do if You Become Sick or Injured on Your Trip,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), n.p., 13 January 2011, Web, 8 July 2014.