After an accident, it is natural to think your injuries are minor if you did not break any bones or require emergency medical treatment. However, the severity of your injuries may not be immediately apparent. Many victims of “minor” accidents develop complications days, weeks, or even months later. That is why consulting a personal injury lawyer is crucial, even if you feel largely unharmed after a collision or any form of incident.
At Ruhmann Law Firm, we understand how easily “minor” injuries can escalate into major medical issues. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Texas will evaluate your situation with care and determine if you have a valid claim for compensation. Let us explore some common scenarios where hiring a lawyer makes sense despite initially minor-seeming injuries.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head. Signs often involve neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and numbness in the arm or hand. Many accident victims dismiss whiplash as a minor inconvenience.
However, untreated whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain, limited range of motion, and even neurological complications from damaged discs pressing on spinal nerves. These “minor” injuries may require extensive medical treatment, missed work time, and permanent disability for severe cases. Having a skilled Texas personal injury lawyer negotiate compensation can ensure your future costs are covered.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and contusions from a car accident or fall may initially seem insignificant. Most people expect some tenderness and superficial bruising to heal quickly. While many soft tissue injuries resolve with basic first aid, others can worsen without proper medical care.
For example, a sprained wrist could develop into chronic pain and arthritis if not properly immobilized and treated. A leg contusion that initially looks like a typical bruise could indicate a more serious soft tissue injury, like bursitis or myositis. These lasting soft tissue problems require extensive physical therapy and may limit your mobility long-term. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Texas will ensure you receive fair compensation for these protracted recoveries.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Concussions are a prime example of how easily a “minor” head injury can have lasting impacts. While most concussion symptoms resolve within a few weeks, up to 20% of people develop post-concussion syndrome with persistent issues like headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and sleep disturbances.
Even a seemingly unremarkable bump on the head during a slip and fall or minor car accident could potentially cause brain trauma. If you experience any concussion symptoms after an incident, it is critical to seek medical attention and legal counsel immediately. Failing to document and treat a mild traumatic brain injury properly could prevent you from claiming future costs related to lingering cognitive or emotional deficits.
Why Consider a Lawyer, Regardless of Injury Severity?
While it is true that not every accident necessitates legal representation, there are several reasons why consulting with a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial, even for seemingly minor injuries.
- Hidden costs: Sometimes, the true extent of injuries does not become apparent immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and it is not uncommon for symptoms to develop days or even weeks after an accident. A lawyer can guide you through the proper medical documentation process to ensure all injuries are recorded and considered for compensation. Apart from medical bills, there might be lost wages due to missed work, physical therapy expenses, or the need for home care assistance. These costs can quickly add up, and a lawyer can help ensure you’re compensated for all damages.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or deny your claim altogether. A personal injury lawyer has the experience and knowledge to negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement that reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.
- Fight for your legal rights: The legal system can be challenging, and going through it alone can be tedious. A lawyer can ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. This includes understanding deadlines for filing claims, handling communication with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary.
We Can Help You Get Justice
At Ruhmann Law Firm, we know how quickly a “minor” injury can escalate into something more serious and costly. Our compassionate attorneys will evaluate every aspect of your case, ensuring your settlement or award reflects your future needs should complications develop. Do not let the initial appearance of minor injuries jeopardize your rightful compensation. Contact Ruhmann Law Firm today for consultation on your personal injury claim.