Did you know that falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 800,000 people visit the emergency room each year because of a fall. If you live in an area prone to cold weather and icy conditions, it’s important to take extra care when walking outside. Even if you’re careful, sometimes accidents happen. If you do find yourself slipping on ice, there are some things you can do to minimize your chronic injuries and avoid large medical bills.

Assess whether or not you are injured

When you slip on the ice in northern Virginia, it’s important to take a few minutes to assess your injuries. Immediately after falling, check whether or not you can put weight on the leg, and if there is severe pain or any other issues that cause concern. If necessary, it’s advisable to go straight to the hospital for medical attention and care. Taking into account these possible health risks can help reduce long-term injury or discomfort and make sure you get the best level of care for your situation.

Clean any wounds

If you have any open wounds, gently clean the area with soap and water to remove any debris that may be trapped in the wound. This will help prevent infection of the affected area and ensure a quicker healing process. In some cases, attending a health provider may also be beneficial in order to assess possible fractures or other potential injuries associated with the fall.

Reduce the Swelling

If there is swelling one of the first things you should do is apply a cold compress to the area.  When applying a cold compress, make sure it is for no more than 10-15 minutes at a time, with an interval of 30 minutes between each application. Doing so can help ensure that discomfort does not become worse and keeps you comfortable while also helping to speed up recovery.

Take ibuprofen

Taking an anti-inflammatory medication can help with the pain and inflammation associated with a fall. It is important to follow the instructions printed on the package from your local pharmacy or grocery store. If pain or discomfort persists, seek out medical advice from a professional.

Rest your body as much as possible over the next few days and avoid strenuous activity.

Rest the injured area as much as possible over the next few days. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided. Make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to allow your body time to properly recover from the recent accident.

Apply a warm compress

After the swelling has gone down, apply a warm compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time. Doing so will promote blood flow and help reduce soreness.

Contact a Northern Virginia slip and fall attorney to evaluate your case

If you have suffered an injury after slipping on the ice while walking on a public or private right of way in Northern Virginia, you should consider contacting a Northern Virginia slip and fall injury attorney to investigate your case. Experienced attorneys can provide expert legal guidance and advice on the steps to take for filing a legal claim. It is important that you seek professional legal help as quickly as possible before any time limits run out for filing a personal injury claim.

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, the most important thing is to seek medical attention right away. If your injuries are serious, go to the hospital immediately. For more minor injuries, follow the steps above, and don’t hesitate to contact a slip and fall injury attorney in Northern Virginia as soon as possible to discuss your case.