You might wonder what Aesop’s fable about the tortoise and the hare has to do with compensation. As the fable of the tortoise and the hare teaches, “slow and steady wins the race.” The same could be true in personal injury claims. Waiting until you are aware of all of your injuries before pursuing compensation is probably the better choice since accepting a quick settlement could cost you.
For instance, you might have walked away from a recent accident feeling lucky at the time, only to wake up several days later feeling as though the crash just took place. Many injuries have immediate symptoms, but some serious injuries can take longer to reveal themselves. If another party caused your accident, you may choose to seek restitution for your financial losses, but if you fail to account for injuries that manifest later, you could lose essential compensation you might need in the future.
Injuries that often exhibit delayed symptoms
Despite not showing up immediately, injuries with delayed symptoms can be extremely painful and debilitating. While there are a multitude of injuries that can take time to develop, some of the more common ones include the following:
- Abdominal pain: Pain in this area might indicate the presence of internal bleeding, and such injuries can be fatal if left unattended.
- Neck/shoulder pain: Pain in these areas is common among accident victims who suffer whiplash. You should probably take this type of pain seriously, since it could indicate a spinal injury.
- Back pain: Another common effect of whiplash, back pain can take a while to appear, and can be extremely difficult to overcome.
- Headaches: Headaches can be a sign of a traumatic brain injury or even PTSD. If you are having headaches following your accident, you may have experienced a concussion, or in some cases, you may have a blood clot.
- Sensations: Pinched nerves can cause tingling or numbness throughout various areas of your body, and can cause intense pain.
It is also common for an accident victim to experience emotional pain and suffering following the incident. This can be just as debilitating as a physical injury, and in most cases, takes time to appear. Regardless of the type of injury, you should seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of pain.
All injuries accounted for; how do I proceed?
Perhaps your injuries are severe and significantly reduce your quality of life. You might have chosen to wait until all your injuries manifested, but you could also be experiencing financial difficulties that often accompany extensive medical expenses. Maybe you also worry that the time frame allowed for filing a claim under the Louisiana state statutes is closing in, and you are ready to begin the process.
If you are uncertain where to start, you could speak with a knowledgeable attorney for advice on these areas of concern. A personal injury attorney can advise you of the laws that may apply to your situation, and subsequently help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation to which you’re entitled to receive, which may prove beneficial to overcoming your financial difficulties and moving past this stressful and challenging life event.