Delayed-onset injuries can occur hours, days, or even weeks after an accident. These physical or psychological medical conditions may be initially masked by adrenaline and shock, but that does not mean you should not take them seriously, as doing so may complicate your legal claim.
Do not risk California’s two-year statute of limitations before learning more about delayed onset injuries. The well-respected personal injury attorneys at CaseyGerry explore the fundamentals of what you should know.
Common Examples of Delayed-Onset Injuries
Accidents of all types can lead to a myriad of injuries, but many of them are not immediately apparent in the way broken bones and lacerations are. One of the most common delayed-onset injuries in car collisions is whiplash and soft tissue damage. Symptoms often begin 24 to 72 hours after impact and may include neck stiffness, back pain, and headaches.
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries, as well as internal injuries, may also show up later, after you have left the scene. Even psychological trauma, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression, may emerge days or weeks post-incident.
Why Do Some Injuries Have a Delayed Onset?
There are a couple of contributing factors to delayed onset injuries. For example, the body’s “fight or flight” response floods the system with adrenaline, temporarily suppressing pain signals, while swelling and inflammation build up over time, causing pain and stiffness to worsen. Small tears or internal issues may not cause noticeable symptoms right away, only showing up when inflammation increases or the initial shock of the accident starts to fade.
What to Do If You Suspect Delayed-Onset Injury
The most important thing to do after any accident if you’re injured is to seek immediate medical attention. Make sure to keep detailed records of your symptoms for your doctor. This documentation is vital for potential insurance claims that may compensate for your losses. You should also contact the personal injury attorneys at CaseyGerry for guidance on your next steps.
Reach Out and Explore Your Legal Options in a Delayed-Onset Injury Matter
While California does allow delayed claims, you should know that waiting to make your claim can make it harder to prove the injury was not caused by something else. CaseyGerry’s clients enjoy our family oriented, client-first approach and since 1947 we have amassed decades of combined legal experience that will help you link the injury to the event and preserve the important evidence that makes all the difference in court.
We deliver sound legal advice you can count on to help you navigate complex personal injury matters, like a delayed-onset injury lawsuit, with the experience and compassionate care you deserve. Reach out to our San Diego office now to arrange a time to speak with us and discuss your legal options.