What if My Injuries Don’t Appear Until Days or Weeks After the Accident?

After an accident, it’s crucial to have a medical check-up, even if you’re feeling okay. Sometimes, the adrenaline masks the pain, making injuries less noticeable to you, but recognizable to a doctor. 

However, in some cases, latent injuries lurk beneath the surface, undetectable even by professionals during the first exam after the accident. Then in hours, days, or even weeks later, you start to notice symptoms. Recovering compensation in this type of situation in Florida or Georgia is more challenging, but The Leach Firm, P.A. has the experience and dedication to help you receive the damages you deserve for a delayed-onset injury.  

Recognizing Delayed Symptoms

Medical case files are full of instances when injuries don’t manifest until days or weeks post-accident. This delay can complicate your ability to seek compensation, but it doesn’t eliminate it. Whether you’re facing a personal injury claim or workers’ compensation scenario, understanding the nuances of delayed symptoms is critical. We encourage our clients to monitor their health closely after an accident and report any new symptoms to a healthcare provider as soon as they emerge. This vigilance is crucial in building a solid case for your claim.

Specific injuries may not manifest symptoms until days or weeks have passed, such as:

• Internal bleeding
• Whiplash
• Injuries to the brain from trauma
• Harm to internal organs
• Spinal compression fractures

Moreover, seemingly minor injuries have the potential to result in infections, potentially leading to severe outcomes like organ failure. Sadly, it’s common for significant brain and spinal damage to remain undetected for a substantial period following an accident. Despite their initial invisibility, these injuries can inflict permanent disabilities.

Evidence Gathering

As soon as you begin to experience symptoms, it’s crucial to document your injury. Visit a healthcare provider, detail the sequence of events, and ensure you retain all documents related to your appointment. If  the healthcare provider downplays your concerns, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Then be sure to follow their guidance and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments. If you fail to do so, the insurance company will claim that your actions are to blame for the injuries.

In addition to the healthcare provider’s documentation, creating personal records is beneficial. Write down how your symptoms appear and their impact on your daily functions. If  you discover a link between these symptoms and previous issues that you suddenly can attribute to the accident, make sure to record this insight. Early notes about your condition can prove to be more critical as evidence than later recollections.

The Role of Experienced Legal Support

Understanding the legal intricacies of delayed injuries is where the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney becomes invaluable. At The Leach Firm, P.A., we have extensive experience identifying and proving the connection between late-onset injuries and the accidents that caused them. Whether it’s internal injuries, psychological effects, or conditions that took time to develop, our team is adept at navigating these complex situations. We focus on ensuring that your case is strong, comprehensive, and ready to secure the compensation you deserve.

Time is Short 

In personal injury law, time is of the essence. Waiting too long to act can jeopardize your ability to collect the necessary compensation. You need to act promptly to seek treatment, obtain legal advice, and gather evidence while it is fresh. 

In addition, you also need to be aware of the statute of limitations. This sets a deadline for preparing and filing claims. In both Florida and Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the accident that caused the injury. This means you have a two-year window to take all the steps necessary to initiate legal proceedings against the party at fault. If you are not ready by the deadline, you lose the right to seek compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the clear liability of the other party. 

In a workers’ compensation case, if you have an illness related to work conditions, it is important to report the situation to your employer as soon as the connection is diagnosed. If you had an accident at work, it must be reported within 30 days. In any of these situations, it is best to start working with an attorney on your claim as soon as possible.

Put The Leach Firm, P.A. to Work for You

If you’ve discovered injuries days or weeks after an accident, seeking professional advice is crucial. Call The Leach Firm at 844-722-7567 or contact us online for a free case evaluation with a seasoned lawyer in Florida or Georgia. Our team is ready to help you pursue your case with care, dedication, and experience, ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.