Suffering an injury in an accident can feel overwhelming, and we get that. Sometimes, it’s easy to think you’re okay—maybe the pain is mild, or you think it’ll get better on its own. But here’s the thing: delaying medical care can end up hurting both your health and your personal injury claim.
At The Arshakyan Law Firm, we’ve helped countless injury victims right here in Los Angeles. We know how frustrating it is to deal with the aftermath of an accident, especially when insurance companies seem to be working against you. Our team is dedicated to helping you get the care and compensation you deserve.
Can You Still File a Personal Injury Claim in Los Angeles if You Delayed Medical Treatment?
Yes, you can still file a claim, but there’s a catch. Insurance companies might try to use the delay against you. They may argue that your injury wasn’t serious or that something else caused it. They may even try to minimize your pain and say you don’t deserve full compensation.
We understand that seeking medical care right away isn’t always possible. Life happens—whether it’s thinking the pain will go away, worrying about the costs, or just being too busy. We want to assure you that we’re here to help you fight back, no matter what. As your trusted Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, we’ll work tirelessly to make sure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries That May Not Show Symptoms Immediately After an Accident
Even if you feel okay after an accident, some injuries don’t show up right away. That’s why it’s so important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt. Ignoring it could lead to worse complications down the road—and it could hurt your claim.
Here are some common injuries that might not show symptoms immediately:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and brain injuries
- Internal bleeding Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and hairline fractures
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
By getting medical care right away, you give yourself the best chance of recovery and ensure your injuries are properly documented. This also strengthens your personal injury claim by linking the injuries directly to the accident.
How Delayed Medical Attention Can Hurt Your Personal Injury Claim
Waiting too long to seek treatment can give the insurance company reasons to question your claim. They may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident, that they aren’t serious, or that you’re exaggerating your pain. Medical records are key to proving your case, and a delay can make it harder to connect your injuries to the accident. Seeking prompt medical care protects both your health and your right to compensation.
If the insurance company is trying to use a delay against you, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney can help. Our team knows how to fight back and get you the compensation you deserve.
Los Angeles Insurance Companies May Use Delayed Medical Treatment Against You
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts to protect their profits. When there is a gap between your accident and medical treatment, they may:
- Claim your injuries resulted from a pre-existing condition rather than the accident.
- Use delayed treatment as evidence that your injury was not serious.
- Offer lowball settlements or deny claims entirely.
By seeking medical attention promptly and working with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, you can avoid these tactics and maximize your compensation.
Why Many Injury Victims Delay Medical Treatment in Los Angeles
We understand why many accident victims put off seeing a doctor. You might feel fine at first, worry about the cost of treatment, or simply be too busy with work and family. Some people hope the pain will go away on its own, only to realize later that their injuries are more serious than they thought.
Unfortunately, waiting too long can not only make your condition worse but also give the insurance company a reason to question your claim. If you’re worried about medical expenses or how a delay might impact your case, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney is here to help. We can guide you through your legal options and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Personal Injury Claims Work in California
California follows a fault-based system, meaning the person responsible for your accident is also responsible for covering your damages. This includes medical expenses for both immediate and future treatments, lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, and compensation for pain and suffering caused by the accident.
State law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but delaying medical care can make it harder to prove your injuries were caused by the accident. Seeking treatment as soon as possible not only protects your health but also strengthens your claim.
Steps to Protect Your Personal Injury Claim After Delaying Medical Attention in Los Angeles
If you didn’t seek medical attention right away, don’t panic—you still have options to protect your health and your claim. Take these steps as soon as possible:
- Seek medical attention immediately. A professional diagnosis will document your injuries and create a medical record linking them to the accident.
- Explain the delay to your doctor. Being honest about why you waited can help counter any arguments from the insurance company.
- Gather supporting evidence. Photos, accident reports, and witness statements can help prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
- Contact The Arshakyan Law Firm. Our team will handle the legal process, push back against unfair insurance tactics, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to go through this alone. A Los Angeles personal injury attorney is here to help every step of the way.
Why Delaying Medical Care Doesn’t Change Your Right to Compensation with The Arshakyan Law Firm
At The Arshakyan Law Firm, we truly care about our clients. We know how overwhelming it can be to deal with an injury, and we’re dedicated to fighting for the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Whether you’ve been injured in an accident, dealing with workers' compensation, or facing issues at work, our team is here for you.
We’ve recovered millions for injury victims throughout Los Angeles, but what really sets us apart is our approach. We treat every case with dedication and empathy. You’re not just another case number to us—you’re a person who deserves justice.
Call a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury and didn’t seek medical treatment right away, it’s not too late to act. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. As victims of personal injuries, you shouldn’t have to face this struggle alone.
Call The Arshakyan Law Firm, your trusted Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, today for a free consultation at 888-851-5005, or contact us online. Our dedicated team is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you need to move forward.