Slip and fall incidents may initially appear minor—often dismissed as a momentary embarrassment resulting in a bruise or mild discomfort. However, your immediate symptoms may not reveal the true extent of your injury. Concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal injuries can present with delayed onset symptoms, emerging hours or even days later. This can lead to long-term complications, underscoring the importance of recognizing the potential severity of such incidents and consulting with a lawyer to recover compensation for your losses and damages.
If you’ve been seriously hurt in a slip and fall, please contact us at the Salamati Law Firm. Schedule a free consultation with a compassionate and experienced Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer so they can assess your case and answer your questions.
Common Symptoms That Might Show Up Later
Overlooked slip and fall injuries are relatively common. Here are four symptoms to be aware of and what it could mean for your health:
- Headache: This may be a symptom of a concussion or more severe forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly if accompanied by confusion, memory loss, or sensitivity to light.
- Neck or shoulder stiffness: Often associated with whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or muscle strain, especially if the fall involved sudden impact or awkward positioning.
- Abdominal pain or swelling: This can be a warning sign of internal bleeding, organ damage, or hematoma formation, all of which require immediate medical evaluation.
- Dizziness or nausea: This may indicate a head injury, such as a concussion, or reflect a drop in blood pressure due to internal trauma or shock.
These and other symptoms may require immediate medical attention. The longer they go unchecked, the more complicated your recovery may become.
Why You Might Not Feel Symptoms Right Away
After a fall, the body’s stress response—driven by adrenaline and shock—can temporarily mask pain and other symptoms. As this response subsides, injuries may become more apparent, often leading individuals to underestimate their condition. A prompt medical evaluation is essential, as only a qualified healthcare professional can accurately assess the extent of your injuries through a thorough examination. Seeking immediate care protects your health and helps preserve your legal rights.
How Insurance Companies Use Delayed Symptoms Against You
Insurance adjusters often evaluate the accident victim’s initial statements and actions to assess the claim’s credibility and severity. In slip and fall cases, if a person declines medical attention at the scene or states they are “fine,” adjusters may use this information to argue that the injuries are not serious, were pre-existing, or are unrelated to the incident.
While this doesn’t mean your claim is invalid, it highlights the importance of documenting injuries promptly and seeking medical care early to establish a clear link between the fall and the resulting harm—crucial for preserving the strength of a personal injury claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Salamati Law
Treat every slip and fall as potentially serious until a doctor tells you otherwise, and seek medical attention, even if you think you’re fine. Then, speak with an experienced Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer. At Salamati Law Firm, we understand how delayed onset symptoms can complicate a personal injury case. We’ve helped many clients who initially downplayed their injuries, only to face long recoveries and mounting bills.
Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of your situation. Let us help you document your injuries, build your case, and recover compensation for your losses and damages. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
