Some insurance companies and liable parties try to downplay the extent of your injuries after a car accident in Hollywood or your community. If you have suffered a fracture, back injury, or other injury from which you’re expected to make a full recovery, your injury may be called “minor.” Don’t let the word fool you; so-called minor injuries can still be very costly, painful, and difficult. Don’t allow someone to minimize your pain and suffering after a roadway accident.
The Truth is that Minor Injuries Can be Misdiagnosed
Some people in South Florida and Hollywood walk away from a car crash assuming they have no injuries or online “minor” injuries such as lacerations only to end up back in the emergency room. Some serious injuries – such as life-threatening head injuries – might not have any symptoms at first. In other cases, injuries can be misdiagnosed. For instance, many patients with chronic pain conditions or soft tissue injuries may be told at first that they’re uninjured or have sustained only minor injuries. It’s only after they suffer severe pain that they realize they have a potentially debilitating condition.
Since misdiagnosis can happen, it’s important to insist on a full, proper medical checkup if you’ve been in a traffic accident. If there’s any chance you’ve hit your head, especially, get evaluated for brain injury and concussion. This sort of simple evaluation can save your life. Even if emergency room or clinic doctors tell you that you have no injuries or only minor injuries, get medical help at once if you notice your symptoms getting worse or if you notice new symptoms.
“Minor” Injuries Often Come with Major Bills
Even if your injuries are apparently “minor” the costs for these injuries can quickly add up. For example, if you’ve been taken to an emergency room for an evaluation, that trip alone can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, depending on what tests are needed and how long you’re kept in the hospital.
Once you’re released, you may have additional expenses, including:
- Medication
- Medical devices (such as crutches or braces)
- Taxis to and from doctors’ appointments
- Follow-up appointments
- The costs of getting your car fixed and any damaged personal property (such as your phone) replaced
Even so-called minor injuries can mean that you lose time at work. At the very least, you’ll lose several hours to a full day immediately after your accident. If you are in pain or have a fracture, it can take you days or weeks to return to your work duties fully.
Don’t allow anyone to minimize your injuries or the seriousness of your accident. If you’ve been injured, you will face medical expenses and other costs and if your injuries were caused by someone’s negligence, Florida law may allow you to seek a legal claim. For more information about your legal rights, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free, no obligation consultation. The legal team at our full-service law firm would be pleased to speak with you about your situation. We offer legal advice and representation for plaintiffs who have been injured.