Delayed Pain After an Injury

YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY MATTERS

Being involved in an automobile wreck can be a traumatic experience, both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, there are some injuries that may not present themselves immediately after the crash but can still cause pain and long-term damage. It is important to be aware of delayed symptoms so you can act accordingly if they arise.

If you experience delayed pain after an injury and are concerned about your options for compensation, contact Harris & Associates, P.C, L.L.O for help. Our skilled personal injury attorney represents injured victims in Omaha, Nebraska, and surrounding areas, including Dodge, Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties.

Injuries That May Result in Delayed Pain

Injuries are a common occurrence in traffic collisions across Nebraska. According to an annual traffic crash report by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, 33.5% of all crashes in the state in 2020 resulted in injuries.

Injuries such as whiplash and soft tissue damage can take days, weeks, or even months to show any signs of discomfort. If not diagnosed promptly, head and brain injuries may not be immediately apparent after a collision. The same can be said about spine injuries, such as herniated discs.

Furthermore, if your adrenaline is high due to the shock of the collision itself, pain may not be felt until after the adrenaline wears off. This is why it is essential that you receive medical attention as soon as possible following the crash, even if you feel fine at the time.

Delayed Symptoms to Watch For

If you were involved in a car wreck, pay attention to any changes in your physical or mental state, including but not limited to:

• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Infection in cuts and wounds
• Numbness/tingling in extremities
• Sleep problems
• Memory problems
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle stiffness
• Changes in behavior or personality

Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If you were injured, you need to be aware of the time limits for filing a personal injury claim in Nebraska. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” Under Nebraska law, there is a four-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you fail to bring a claim within the specified window, you will be barred from recovering damages.

Anyone who has been involved in an auto collision should receive appropriate and prompt medical attention regardless of whether they feel immediate pain or not. As explained above, many injuries do not appear until days or weeks after the incident.

Don’t Settle With the Insurance Company Too Quickly

Settling a personal injury claim too soon could mean leaving money on the table that would have been entitled to you had you waited until you fully recovered from your injuries. This is especially true if you develop delayed pain after an injury.

Instead of settling your personal injury claim within hours or days after the collision, go to a hospital to get a full medical evaluation. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to determine whether or not you have recovered after the crash before accepting the insurer’s settlement.

If the insurance company puts pressure on you and says you must accept the settlement offer, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will protect you from dishonest and bad-faith insurance tactics during the personal injury claims process.

Rely on Experienced Representation