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After an automobile accident, you want to move on with your life as soon as possible. The incident causes enough stress without adding injuries to the mix. Thankfully, you escaped without injury, or so you thought. What happens if you begin to experience pain days or even weeks after your mishap?
Can Pain Be Delayed?
An accident in your car is a stressful event. Sometimes you feel lucky because you don’t immediately notice an injury. It's not unusual for injury-related pain after a car accident to be delayed, and in many cases you may not even know you have a serious injury until later. (1) A delayed injury can be a frustrating occurrence.
When you notice pain following a car accident you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Delayed pain can indicate a serious medical condition that requires timely treatment. If your doctor determines your pain is related to the accident, consult a Macon car accident lawyer to determine if you have any legal steps to take.
What Is Pain and Suffering?
Following an automobile accident, you may hear the words pain and suffering often. Friends, coworkers, or family members may encourage you to pursue legal action to get an award for your pain and suffering. A car accident lawyer Macon GA can help you determine if you have a case or not.
What is pain and suffering, exactly? Pain and suffering refers to the physical discomfort and emotional distress that are compensable as noneconomic damages. (2) It encompasses the emotions and the physical pain that accompany an injury. Depending on the laws in your state, you could file a claim to collect financial compensation for the pain you are experiencing.
Kinds of Delayed Pain You May Experience
Some types of pain can be delayed for days or even weeks following an accident. You should know what these are, so you can be on the lookout for them.
1. A headache: Some people get a headache following the adrenaline rush of an accident that is relatively mild and doesn’t last long. However, if the headache is intense it could be the sign of something more serious. The exact location of the pain and the severity of it should be reported to a medical professional.
2. Achy shoulders or neck: People typically think of whiplash when you say your neck hurts following an accident. Pain in this area could also indicate a spinal cord injury or a herniated disc, and could wait a few days to emerge.
3. A backache: It isn’t unusual to feel some achiness in your back after an accident—especially one in which you were rear-ended—but pain that goes beyond achiness could indicate a more serious issue. Especially if that pain is intense or lasting.
4. Numb or tingling arms or legs: Experiencing numbness or tingling in your arms or legs could indicate a pinched nerve or a herniated disc. You can feel the tingling or numbness throughout your body, but it’s most common in the arms or legs.
5. Stomach pain: Tenderness or pain in your abdomen could be a serious issue following a car accident. It could take several days to notice this kind of pain. As soon as you notice it, you should see a doctor. Internal injuries could be present.
6. Personality changes or emotional issues: Changes in personality could signal a head injury that was unnoticed at the time of the accident. It isn’t uncommon to experience some anxiety following an accident. However, anxiety or depression that are lingering should be treated. These could be signs of an untreated physical injury in addition to an emotional issue.
You need to be diligent in monitoring your pain following a car accident. Delayed pain can indicate a serious condition that has been overlooked. If you experience delayed pain, contact your primary care physician for evaluation. Consult a Macon car accident lawyer to discuss whether your pain is the basis for a claim.
Conclusion
Injuries aren’t always apparent immediately following an automobile accident. Sometimes, the pain begins days or weeks following the event. No matter when you begin to notice the pain you should consult a physician as soon as possible for an evaluation. Delayed pain could be a result of the impact of the crash.
When consulting your physician make sure you indicate the location and severity of your pain. Any symptoms you notice are important. Knowing which kinds of pain can be delayed following an accident will be helpful for your personal evaluation of symptoms. Some of these delayed symptoms indicate a serious medical issue.
At times, delayed symptoms can indicate the potential for a pain and suffering settlement. These settlements help to mitigate the loss of work or pleasure you have experienced due to the injury. The potential for a successful pain and suffering case varies by state. Consult with a Macon car accident lawyer to understand the possibility of a pain and suffering claim.
Morgan and Morgan FAQS
1. My accident was a few days ago, and now my back is hurting. What should I do?
Contact your medical provider. Back pain that begins days after an accident could be a delayed result of the incident. It could indicate a serious issue. Following a medical evaluation, speak to a car accident lawyer Macon GA for your next steps.
2. My pain has been so intense that I’ve had to miss multiple days of work. Can I receive money for pain and suffering?
Have you been evaluated by a doctor? If not, you should do so. The doctor will attempt to verify the causes of your pain. After you consult your physician, contact a Macon car accident lawyer with the reports. The lawyer will evaluate the potential for a pain and suffering case.
3. Is there a time limit for a pain and suffering claim?
Laws vary by state regarding statutes of limitation following an accident. Consult a car accident lawyer Macon GA to learn the regulations in your area.