In the aftermath of a slip-and-fall accident, most people focus on the more obvious injuries, such as visible cuts, bruises, and fractures. What is less obvious, and sometimes far more serious, are injuries that do not present themselves right away. In fact, many slip-and-fall injury symptoms may not appear for days or even weeks.
This article explores common slip-and-fall injuries with delayed symptoms, why those symptoms take time to appear, and why prompt medical care and timely legal counsel matter.
Common Injuries Seen in Slip-and-Fall Accidents
A slip-and-fall accident, such as in a grocery store or a poorly lit apartment entryway or parking lot, can affect the whole body, and the way you fall usually determines the severity of the symptoms.
Some symptoms are immediate, and others emerge later.
- Head Injuries and Concussions
- Hip Fractures
- Other Fractures
- Shoulder Damage
- Knee Trauma
- Sprains/Strains
- Spinal/Nerve injuries
- Cuts/Abrasions
- Facial or Dental Injuries
Surprisingly, many of the symptoms associated with these injuries do not always become apparent right away. For instance, you may have taken a hard fall on your left knee or banged your head against the ground—yet you feel fine in the aftermath. In other situations, you know right away that your hip is definitely fractured or that you are concussed. This begs the question: Why do some slip-and-fall symptoms not appear for days?
There are several reasons why the body does not always respond immediately.
Shock of the Accident:
The initial shock of the injury can mask pain, leading a victim to feel slightly detached and reasonably fine until their body begins to settle.
Body’s Stress Response:
The body’s chemical stress response is another factor in delayed symptoms. Adrenaline and endorphins can rush through the system after a sudden fall. This chemical reaction can temporarily numb pain, enabling an individual to move about without being aware of the extent of their injuries.
Natural Inflammation Progression:
The natural progression of inflammation is also present. A soft-tissue injury, such as a sprain or muscle strain, tends to worsen in the first 24-72 hours. The swelling is progressive, and pain intensifies as the body responds to the injury.
Hidden Injuries:
Certain injuries are not immediately visible. Internal bleeding, for instance, might not result in any observable symptoms until sufficient time has elapsed for pain or other signs to manifest. This is also applicable to some head injuries where problems such as headaches or confusion may arise long after the initial blow.
Understanding these delayed responses highlights why early action matters after any fall.
What To Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Although you may feel okay, a timely response is key to protecting your health and your rights. Seek immediate medical attention to identify any unseen injuries and record your condition. Then, as soon as possible, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine your next move.
Early action can be crucial in cases of delayed symptom onset.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!
A serious fall can disrupt your life in an instant, leaving you with stress, injuries, and unanswered questions about what comes next. At Keys Law Offices, we are determined to support individuals and families struggling with such issues and offer them advice and representation in slip-and-fall cases and other personal injury claims. With deep knowledge of how these cases are handled, our firm will strive to get to the bottom of the case, develop a strong claim, and seek the financial compensation our clients deserve. You are also encouraged to take the next step if you have been injured. Call our office for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Assistance is available, and help is only a phone call away.