Dealing with An Injury on Vacation
Getting away from your daily routine brings relaxation and an escape to everyday life. This is a big reason why people look forward to vacations so much. Unfortunately, injuries are inevitable and sometimes may happen when we least expect them too.
Unexpected injuries often cut travels short and require us to face consequences we weren’t prepared for. If you have experienced an injury while on vacation or want to inform yourself on the action to take, follow these 5 steps.
- Notify Someone
It doesn’t matter if you are away from home, out of the country, on a cruise, or at a hotel. When you or a traveling companion gets hurt, call someone to notify them about the incident. You want to first make a person in authority nearby (like a hotel manager, restaurant owner or lifeguard) aware of what has happened and contact local authorities.
Reporting the problem is the first step of this process. You should not leave the scene for any reason until you’ve received the attention you need. Many companies and establishments have protocols put in place to handle guest injuries.
- Take Photos
With the smartphones and technology that we have today, documenting the scene is made easier than ever. Take pictures of your injury and the surrounding factors that you notice. This is so important when you get hurt in an accident because cleanup begins shortly after, meaning that crucial evidence may be erased.
- Seek Medical Attention
No matter the severity of your injury, always visit a physician to ensure everything is okay, especially if the person wounded is a child. Explain to them how you were hurt as they are usually able to catch an injury that could worsen in a matter of days. If you notice your injury getting worse after your accident or experience strange side effects, go back to your doctor.
We also suggest that you consider investing in medical travel insurance especially if you’re a frequent traveler. You need to ask yourself how you plan on paying for care or how you will get home in the case of an emergency.
- Gather Important Information
If you are involved in a car accident, be sure to collect contact information from everyone involved including witnesses. If the physician or medical provider whom you visited is not your regular doctor, keep their contact details as well.
You then want to make your insurance provider aware by reporting the incident, injuries, and other important information. Do not talk about fault with them until after a complete investigation has been conducted regarding the incident.
- Speak with An Attorney
Your final step is to call a qualified, trusted lawyer to handle your case. You can do so immediately after your injury or even if you notice strange symptoms after coming home. Speaking with an attorney will help you decide if you have a valid claim and they will give you information about jurisdictions.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Injury on Vacation
Getting hurt on vacation is not something we want to think about, but we need to be cautious and keep some things in mind. Before you head out on an excursion, amusement park, or travel with a touring company, be sure you check all the credentials and read through liability waivers thoroughly before signing them.
Additionally, we suggest you only drive on vacation if you understand the rules of the country you’re driving in. Keep in mind that rules differ on a local basis which is important you inform yourself of all regulations. Finally, if you notice any potential hazards within a vehicle, location, or watercraft avoid them at all costs.
An injury on vacation can greatly affect the quality of your life after returning home. You have the right to protect your rights and take legal action against those responsible. Again, speaking with an attorney will help clarify and explore your options so that you don’t have to go through this stressful process on your own.
Mia Rose says
Good advise. Best to be prepared just in case and have some idea of what to do.
Maryann D. says
This is all good advice. I am sure it can be a nightmare to have injury or illness on a vacation and so far from home.
Wendy Foster says
Great tips-thanks!