Identifying Late-Onset Injuries
After an accident, it is normal for your immediate focus to center on visible injuries and the physical damage to vehicles. This is an important step in self-care, but it is also important to recognize that some injuries may not reveal themselves until days or weeks later.
Late-onset injuries catch victims off guard. When you know what kind of injuries are possible without visual indicators and what symptoms should never be ignored, you can take the steps you need to shield your health and protect your rights. A New Orleans personal injury lawyer can provide you with legal support and guide you toward monetary relief to pay for accident-related expenses if you’ve recently been diagnosed with an injury after a collision.
Examples of Delayed-Onset Harm
Late-onset injuries, also sometimes referred to as delayed-onset harm, can manifest long after the initial impact of a car accident. These injuries often result from the sudden and forceful movements that occur during a collision.
- Neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion are classic symptoms of whiplash, which can happen in a range of collision circumstances but are often associated with rear-end accidents.
- Headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea may signal a concussion, which can occur even if there are no visible signs of head trauma.
- Soft-tissue harm. Strains, sprains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons may lead to pain, swelling, and decreased mobility days after an accident.
- Internal injuries. Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not present immediate symptoms but can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
And beyond physical injuries, psychological issues are possible. Emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in the aftermath of a traumatic event like a car accident.
Heeding any symptoms that arise following a car accident, even if they appear minor at first, is essential. Many injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries and concussions, do not always manifest symptoms right away but ignoring the harm can exacerbate the condition and complicate recovery.
A Path Forward If You Did Not Seek Immediate Care
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with an injury as a result of the impact of a car collision but did not seek immediate medical treatment, you may be wondering what options are available to you. Talking to a legal representative is key when coping with late-onset injuries and the complexities of seeking compensation.
When you enlist the help of a New Orleans personal injury lawyer, you gain an advocate who knows how to establish a causal link between your injuries and the car accident, even if there was a delay in seeking medical attention. Then, your lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the compensation you need.
Should you talk to a lawyer about your delayed doctor visit? Whether your symptoms emerged days, weeks, or even months after a New Orleans, Metairie, or Gretna collision, the lawyers at Palazzo Law Firm can guide you through the recovery process. Call 504-433-1442 for a no-cost consultation.
