We’ve all heard stories of injured people helping others rather than worry about themselves. Whether they are military heroes, firemen or perhaps something involved in a severe motor vehicle crash, or parents getting looking after their children, these people go into survival mode where training takes over, or they are not in undue pain in the moments following their own injury.
This is why it is always best for those who survive a traumatic event to get checked out by a medical professional, even if they do not believe in that moment that they are seriously injured. Seemingly minor injuries may be much more severe than first thought. Many injuries do not physically manifest in the form of cuts or bruises and internal injuries may only be apparent to the victim days or weeks after the initial incident.
Typical symptoms to look for
It can be tempting to dismiss lingering or even growing physical discomfort, mainly if there was a doctor’s examination. Nonetheless, some danger signs include:
- Sore shoulders or back: Damage to nerves, ligaments, muscles, and vertebrae can take time to register.
- Concussions: Those whose head was struck or violently shook can experience various devastating symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, memory loss or ringing in the ears.
- Stomach pain: A seatbelt can damage internal organs and cause internal bleeding.
- Numbness: Nerve damage to the back or neck can cause long-term numbness.
If in the days and weeks after an accident, you begin to feel new or worsening pain, you should seek both medical and legal advice. Your injuries and your rights can be seriously impacted by a delay.