There are many inspiring stories of military personnel or law enforcement officers performing heroic deeds in the line of duty while injured. Sometimes the hero does not realize they are injured until the danger passes. This same thing may happen for those involved in automobile crashes, work incidents or other cataclysmic events. The realization can occur when the paramedics arrived or delayed symptoms are diagnosed if the pain does not subside or increases.
Common injuries with delayed symptoms
Sometimes severe injuries have nothing to do with where the burn, abrasion or broken bone is:
- PTSD: The list of symptoms for post-traumatic stress disorders includes depression, anxiety, inability to focus, trouble sleeping, or other previously appreciated activities.
- Concussions: This head injury occurs when violently shaking or impacting the head. The injury results include headaches, light sensitivity, blurry vision, nausea, fatigue, memory loss, and other debilitating symptoms.
- Internal injuries: Safety restraints can cause trauma to internal organs, bones or muscles that are hard to diagnose at first.
- Whiplash: The snapping of the head, back or neck can cause serious injuries that make it hard to function for months.
- Herniated disks: Back and spinal cord injuries are often complex. In this case, the spinal discs rub against nerves, causing extreme pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.
It is best to check any lingering or new pain
The initial injuries caused by others’ negligence may have seemed minor at first, but they can get worse over time as the body breaks down. Because there are statutes of limitations for filing personal injury claims, it is best to see a medical as soon as the pain becomes serious. This not only documents the injury but also enables the victim to get the treatment they need.