Should I Be Evaluated By a Doctor After an Accident?

Monday, September 16, 2013

Should I Be Evaluated By a Doctor After an Accident?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

This is a common question, and often victims of accidents decide not to go to the doctor if they feel no pain. This is not a recommended choice by both physicians and personal injury attorneys. Any person involved in an accident should seek medical attention immediately.

Undetected Brain and Spinal Injuries

Sometimes, pain does not show up for days after an accident. Victims often brush off injuries as minor whip lash or strains from the force of the accident.  The most common injuries that do not show immediate symptoms are spinal and brain injuries. These are also two of the most dangerous and serious injuries that can occur as they can be life altering and in some cases can result in death.

Head Injuries

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) symptoms often consist of a headache that won’t go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, slurred speech, seizures, an inability to wake up from sleep and confusion.

A mild TBI often will show symptoms including a headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, tiredness, and behavioral changes.

Some symptoms may appear immediately while others take several days or even weeks later. Loss of consciousness is not always a sign of brain injury. These symptoms may vary depending on the severity and the area of the brain affected. Even if a victim of a TBI is unable to do so, his or her loved ones can seek compensation with help from a personal injury lawyer.

Spinal Injuries

A serious spinal injury can sometimes be brushed off as milder injury from an accident. If not corrected and given proper attention, spinal injuries can cause additional serious medical problems in the future.

According to the National Institute of Health, spinal injury symptoms often include a head that is in an unusual position, numbness or tingling that spreads down an arm or leg, weakness, difficulty walking, paralysis (loss of movement) of arms or legs, no bladder or bowel control, shock (clammy skin; bluish lips and fingernails; acting dazed or semiconscious), lack of alertness (unconsciousness), stiff neck, headache, or neck pain. These symptoms sometimes do not show until later, which is why it is pertinent to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident has occurred.

Steps to Take After an Accident

It is most important to seek medical attention immediately after any type accident including falls and vehicle accidents. A quick precautionary x-ray, MRI, and other common scans can be life-saving and can catch damages done to the body. If a victim later decides to file a claim with a personal injury lawyer, all medical records can also be used as evidence in a case.

If you or a loved one were involved in an accident that caused an injury, call a personal injury attorney today. Malman Law’s team of attorneys will work for you. Our attorneys fight for maximum compensation to provide you and your family a recovery from lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Call today for free case evaluation and legal advice.