When a work accident occurs, the initial shock and adrenaline can mask early symptoms, making you think that you walked away unscathed. However, some injuries only reveal themselves after days or even weeks.
Delayed injury symptoms can significantly impact your health and complicate workers’ compensation claims. If you notice any of the following symptoms after a work accident, don’t ignore them—instead, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Neck and shoulder pain can develop and intensify over time and, as a result, these symptoms are often overlooked. This discomfort may indicate underlying conditions such as whiplash, herniated discs, or even spinal damage, which can lead to painful complications over time. Without treatment, these injuries can progressively impair mobility and affect your quality of life for months or even years following the initial event.
Headaches that develop after a work accident and persist for days or weeks could be a sign of a concussion or traumatic brain injury. These injuries can occur even if you didn’t hit your head directly during the accident. If left untreated, concussions and other types of brain injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and neurological issues; in some cases, they can lead to fatal complications.
Abdominal pain, swelling, or bruising following a work accident can be a red flag for serious internal injuries. These symptoms may indicate internal bleeding, organ damage, or even a ruptured spleen. Internal injuries can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly, so it is important to seek medical care right away.
Neck pain is a common delayed symptom after a work accident, especially if the incident involved sudden movements or impacts. This pain can signify whiplash, a neck sprain, or even a cervical spine injury. If left untreated, neck injuries can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion; in severe cases, neck injuries can even lead to nerve damage or paralysis.
Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your extremities can signal nerve damage or compression. These symptoms may be caused by spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, or other musculoskeletal problems resulting from the accident. Ignoring these sensations can lead to permanent nerve damage and chronic pain.
Not all delayed symptoms are physical. Work accidents can also cause emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological effects can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and may require professional treatment to overcome.
If you’ve been injured in a work accident, seek medical care right away—even if you do not feel hurt. Not only can this prevent dangerous complications, but going to the doctor creates a record of your injuries and treatment. In Minnesota, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim after a workplace accident and these records will serve as valuable evidence in your case.
Claims that involve delayed symptoms can be difficult to prove, even if you do seek treatment right away. In these situations, you need someone who can advocate for your side of the story. To protect your right to benefits, contact a Minneapolis workplace accident attorney and begin building your case for full and fair compensation.
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