What to Do When You Experience Delayed Pain After an Accident in Pennsylvania

February 14, 2025 | Car Accidents

What to Do When You Experience Delayed Pain After an Accident in Pennsylvania

Accidents can occur in an instant, leaving you shaken and uncertain about your injuries. The rush of adrenaline can mask pain, and as a result, you may not feel the full extent of your injuries immediately. However, delayed pain is common, and it can set in hours, days, or even weeks after an accident. If you’re in Pennsylvania and you’re experiencing delayed pain, it’s essential to understand what steps to take to protect your health and your legal rights.

Understanding Delayed Pain After an Accident

Delayed pain refers to discomfort that emerges after the initial shock of an accident has worn off. The body’s natural response to trauma includes the release of adrenaline, which can temporarily mask pain. However, as the adrenaline subsides, symptoms such as soreness, stiffness, or intense pain can begin to appear. This is common with injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, and internal injuries, all of which may not be immediately noticeable.

In car accidents, you might not feel pain right after the crash but could experience it in the following days. Similarly, in slip-and-fall or workplace accidents, soft tissue injuries such as sprains or strains can worsen after a period of rest or movement, leading to delayed pain.

What Should You Do If You Experience Delayed Pain?

If you experience delayed pain after an accident, follow these steps to protect your health and your potential legal claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if the pain seems mild or you’re unsure about the severity, getting a medical evaluation is essential. A doctor will conduct a thorough examination and identify any injuries, whether soft tissue damage, internal issues, or musculoskeletal injuries. According to Pennsylvania law (75 Pa.C.S.A. § 1712), all accidents involving injury must be reported, and seeking medical care as soon as possible ensures your injuries are documented. Early treatment also helps prevent complications.

Failure to seek medical attention right away can jeopardize your health and undermine any future legal claims. It’s important to have a professional’s opinion about the injuries you’re experiencing.

2. Document Your Symptoms

It’s crucial to keep a detailed record of your delayed pain. Write down the date and time when the pain began, its intensity, and any other symptoms that have emerged. Keep track of all medical appointments, treatments, and any medications prescribed. If you have to miss work due to your injuries, note those days as well. Documentation will be critical when filing a personal injury claim.

In Pennsylvania, there is a general two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. Therefore, it’s essential to keep thorough records from the outset to help support your case.

3. Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney

Experiencing delayed pain can complicate an injury claim, as the connection between the accident and the injury may not be obvious. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you navigate this issue. They will gather necessary evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to establish that your injuries are a direct result of the accident.

Additionally, Pennsylvania takes a modified comparative negligence approach to contributory fault, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover at all if you are more than 50% responsible. A lawyer will work to protect your rights and ensure that all aspects of your injury are taken into account.

4. Follow Through with Treatment

Once you’ve been evaluated, it’s crucial to follow through with all prescribed treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or additional medical tests. Ignoring your doctor’s recommendations can harm your recovery and weaken your personal injury claim. Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment as a reason to deny or reduce settlements. By adhering to your treatment plan, you demonstrate that you are committed to healing and managing your injuries.

Moreover, regular medical visits help create a solid paper trail, documenting the ongoing nature of your injuries. This will be important when you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Why Taking Action Early Is Crucial in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the sooner you act after an accident, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome. Seeking immediate medical attention, documenting your injuries, and consulting with a lawyer early on will give you the best opportunity to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
If delayed pain from an accident lingers, it’s important not to wait before taking action. Medical and legal evidence becomes stronger the sooner it’s gathered. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster PA 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963