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The idea of getting injured on holiday is literally the stuff of nightmares. One minute you’re enjoying a well earned break and the next you’re in incredible pain and seeking medical attention. From food poisoning to dental emergencies, trips and falls in the hotel lobby, to broken bones in the hotel swimming pool. There are hundreds of ways you could fall ill or get injured on holiday. Whilst at home you might know exactly what to do and who to contact if you have a slip and fall claim – check out this Toronto slip and fall lawyer if you’re looking for legal representation – when you’re thousands of miles from home, it might be difficult to know where to turn.
Read on for what you should do if you become injured on holiday.
Seek medical help
It sounds obvious but you’ll be surprised how many people grit their teeth and try to continue with their holiday despite being in pain. Once you’ve sustained an injury you need to seek medical help as soon as possible. If you don’t, even the most minor of injuries have the potential to worsen over time, or without initial treatment effect you for the rest of your life. Your travel medical insurance should cover you, so you have access to the best medical help available.
Record the details
When making a claim, you’re going to need as much information as possible. This will ensure that your claim is as strong as possible. So, in the immediate aftermath of your accident, you need to record as many details as possible, so you have an accurate account of what occurred. The date, time, location, how you fell, what you were eating etc. Take photographs of your injuries and where the incident took place. If there were any witnesses to your accident then try to get their details too. Obtain a Drs report from whomever treats you in hospital as this will be an accurate representation of your injuries and will help your case.
Inform the relevant people
If you sustained an injury in your hotel for example, then you’ll need to inform the staff immediately. If the matter is more serious then you could even involve the local police.
Talk to your attorney
Any kind of personal injury – especially on holiday – can be devastating. So, it’s important that you speak to an attorney that specialises in personal injury claims. Even if you’re unsure if you want to make a claim, a knowledgeable and experienced law professional will be able to offer advice and guidance as to the likelihood of a successful claim, which could sway your decision to pursue the case. If you’re hoping for a positive outcome in your favour, then it’s important not to delay starting your claim. Gathering evidence is essential for building your case so doing this as soon as possible is a crucial step in getting the result you want.
If you want more information about claiming after an accident on holiday, then speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
