Compensation Claims
It is not uncommon for accident victims to not realize right away that they have been injured. This can occur in car accidents, slip and fall accidents, or any other type of incident. This is because there are many types of injuries that often have delayed symptoms. These injuries can take days, or even weeks, before symptoms began to show up and the victim realizes something is wrong.
Delayed symptoms are one reason why personal injury attorneys recommend that victims do not settle their claims with insurance companies right away. It is also why insurance companies try to get victims to quickly settle. Once you have accepted a settlement, your accident claim is closed, even if it turns out you have suffered a more serious injury than you realized.
The following are some of the delayed symptoms a victim can develop that could indicate an injury and it is advised the victim seek medical treatment immediately.
Headaches
When a victim suddenly begins suffering from headaches, especially when there has been a lapse of time between the accident and when the headaches start, it can indicate a serious medical issue, including brain injury, blood clot, concussion, or neck injury. Any type of personality change, physical ability, or mental function can also indicate a brain injury.
Neck Pain
When days go by and suddenly a victim begins suffering from neck pain, it could be an indicator that they have sustained a whiplash injury in the accident. Delayed shoulder pain and stiffness can also indicate whiplash. Many people think that whiplash is a minor injury, but the truth is if a whiplash injury is ignored, it can turn into a more serious issue.
Back Pain
There are many potential injuries to the back that can occur when a victim has been involved in some type of accident. There may have been damage done to ligaments, muscles, or nerves of the back. Injuries to the vertebrae or the discs between the vertebrae are also common. Any time an accident victim begins to develop back pain after an accident, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Numbness in Limbs
If a victim begins to feel numbness in their limbs, this could indicate an injury to the spine. Numbness in the hands and arms could also indicate whiplash.
Abdomen Pain or Swelling
One of the most dangerous – and silent – injuries are those that are suffered internally. Symptoms of internal bleeding do not show up right away and when they finally do the victim can be in danger. Any type of pain or swelling in this area should be checked out right away.
Pursuing a Claim
If the delayed symptoms a victim is suffering from indicate an injury, the victim has the right under the law to pursue damages against the party or parties that were responsible for the incident that caused those injuries. Some of the losses a victim can be compensated for include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Permanent disability
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
If you have been injured in an accident, is in your best interest to speak with an experienced black personal injury lawyer before speaking with anyone from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your lawyer will provide the professional legal guidance you need to ensure you get the maximum financial compensation you are entitled to in an insurance settlement or jury award. Thank you to our friends at Council & Associates, LLC for the information about personal injury claims.