Slip and fall accidents can happen in an instant—at a grocery store, a parking lot or at work. While some falls result in minor scrapes, landing directly on your tailbone can lead to significant physical discomfort and long-term medical costs.
Recognizing the symptoms of a tailbone injury early on is crucial for your physical recovery. If a property owner’s negligence caused your fall, documenting these issues also helps build the foundation for a potential premises liability case.
Seek medical assistance if you notice these symptoms
Falling on a hard surface can cause various injuries to the base of your spine. Identifying these specific warning signs early can help a doctor determine if you are dealing with a bruise, a dislocation or a fracture:
- Localized pain: You feel an intense, sharp pain directly at the bottom of the spine that gets worse when you try to stand up after sitting.
- Swelling, tenderness or bruising: There are visible marks or there is tenderness in the lower back area, which often points to a deep tissue injury or a fracture.
- Pain or numbness while sitting: You feel a persistent dull ache when you put pressure on the tailbone area for a long time.
The onset of these symptoms after a fall can be a clear indicator that the injury requires immediate medical attention. Documenting these physical changes through a medical provider helps connect the accident to the treatment you may need later.
Prioritize your health after a slip and fall
It is crucial to talk to a doctor after a slip and fall accident so you may receive the right treatment. This way, you may prevent exacerbating the injury and create a formal record of what occurred.