Delayed Pain After an Accident
Accident-related pain can ruin anyone’s life. Living with pain can become unbearable. However, pain does not always appear immediately following an accident. There are occasions where pain can appear hours, days, or even weeks after an accident. Thus, understanding delayed pain, and its causes are crucial before filing a personal injury claim.
If you are experiencing delayed pain after an accident, Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley are here to help. It is essential to contact our team if you are experiencing any delayed pain to take the right steps to pursue compensation. We proudly serve clients in Durango, Telluride, Pagosa Springs, Cortez, and The Four Corners, Colorado.
What Type of Injuries Can Lead to Delayed Pain?
Delayed pain can occur at any point following an accident. The following are common injuries that lead to delayed pain:
Head injuries caused by trauma, such as concussions, lead to mild and severe headaches.
Neck injuries stemming from whiplash.
Pain throughout the lower, mid, and upper back (shoulders and neck), especially due to a rear-end collision.
Inflammation throughout the body (arms, legs, and back).
Numbness or tingling in various parts, such as the back, legs, arms, and shoulders.
Stiffness in the back and legs, particularly after standing or sitting.
While it is common for symptoms to appear immediately following an accident, delayed pain appears after an injury. For instance, headaches caused by concussions do not immediately appear. It takes time for concussion symptoms to fully manifest.
Accident victims may receive pain medication during emergency room visits. As a result, victims may not feel pain until after the painkillers have worn off.
What Delayed Pain Symptoms Should I Watch Out For?
Here is a list of key symptoms of delayed pain to watch out for following an accident:
Frequent headaches ranging from mild to severe.
Persistent headaches even after taking medication.
Blurry vision or inability to focus.
Numbness or tingling throughout the body.
Sudden behavioral or mood changes.
Trouble sleeping (i.e., insomnia).
Inability to stay asleep, including nightmares.
Please remember that symptoms may vary from person to person. So, it’s highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as any of these symptoms become apparent.
Can I Still File a Personal Injury Claim If My Pain was Delayed?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Colorado is two years. In other words, accident victims can file a personal injury claim two years from the date of the accident. As a result, there is a time limit on filing a personal injury claim. It is a good idea to file a personal injury claim as soon as possible. However, accident victims should wait a reasonable period to monitor for symptoms of delayed pain.
Please remember that filing a personal injury after the two-year window has passed will most likely get the claim dismissed. Consequently, filing sooner rather than later is a good rule of thumb.
When Should I Settle With an Insurance Company?
While it is a good idea to file a personal injury claim right away, it is best to wait before settling with an insurance company. In particular, accident victims pursuing compensation for injuries must get fully evaluated to determine the extent of their injuries.
Seeking medical attention after an accident is essential. Additionally, follow-up evaluation and treatment can reveal the severity of injuries, including delayed pain. Once full testing and evaluation have been conducted, accident victims can seek compensation based on an official medical diagnosis.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
Hiring a personal injury attorney is not necessary to file a personal injury claim. However, we strongly urge accident victims to do so. An experienced personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to get fair compensation for their client’s injuries. Moreover, a successful personal injury attorney can file a lawsuit if necessary.
Please remember that a personal injury attorney can help accident victims protect their rights when pursuing compensation for injuries.
Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney in Colorado
At Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, we strive to get fair compensation for our clients. We understand how stressful dealing with delayed pain can be. So, we are prepared to be in your corner when you need us the most.
Contact us today to speak with our compassionate personal injury attorneys. The clock is ticking. Get the legal counsel you need to protect your right to fair compensation. We proudly serve clients in Durango, Telluride, Pagosa Springs, Cortez, and The Four Corners, Colorado.