- October 27, 2024
- Tucker Law
- Construction Accident
Construction site accidents are dangerous, and injuries do not always manifest immediately. Sometimes what started as a minor injury might worsen over time, especially if you have delayed symptoms. When faced with delayed or aggravated symptoms, you might wonder what to do and how to protect your rights when seeking workers’ compensation.
This blog examines delayed or aggravated symptoms, why they matter, and how to deal with them after a construction accident. We’ll also share how to protect your workers’ compensation rights. If you or a loved one sustained injuries while working on a construction site, our workers’ compensation attorneys at Tucker Lawyers can help you seek compensation. Contact us at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Why Choose Us to Represent You?
At Tucker Lawyers, our attorneys are experienced in workers’ compensation and construction accidents. We believe that all workers have the right to a safe workplace, and if employers fail to provide one, we will help you hold them accountable. We will not let your employer take advantage of you when you suffer a work injury and will ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to under the law.
We have recovered permanent, temporary, economic, and non-economic damages for our clients and will help you determine your entitlements. Beyond handling your case, our attorneys will provide you with a network of support that enables you to focus on recovery while we take care of your claim.
So, contact us now if you need a firm to fight for you and provide exceptional client service. We will listen to your story, assess your needs, and tell you how we can help you achieve your desired outcome.
We have 30 years of experience getting injured construction workers the help they need, and our track record tells the tale of the hard work and dedication we put behind every client we’ve represented.
What Are Delayed or Aggravated Symptoms?
Delayed or aggravated symptoms are injuries or health issues that either appear or worsen after the initial incident. These symptoms might not be immediately obvious and can develop over time, complicating the initial diagnosis and treatment process. Delayed or aggravated symptoms are common in the following injuries:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, sprains, and strains might not show their full extent until days after the construction accident.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive issues can emerge hours or even days later after a concussion or a TBI.
- Back and Neck Pain: Injuries to the spine or muscles may become more painful as inflammation increases.
- Psychological Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD can develop after the initial shock of the construction accident wears off.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding might not be immediately apparent but can become life-threatening if untreated.
Get a thorough medical evaluation after the construction site accident to rule out the possibility of delayed or aggravated symptoms. Do this even if you feel fine.
Why Delayed or Aggravated Symptoms Matter
The importance of delayed or aggravated symptoms lies in the health and safety of construction workers and the effect on their workers’ compensation claims. Identifying delayed symptoms early after a construction accident ensures you receive medical attention before your condition worsens. If your wound has already worsened, getting treatment will prevent further aggravation and potentially prevent long-term health issues.
Also, delayed symptoms can affect your workers’ compensation claim. If the symptoms did not appear early or were not adequately documented, your employer’s insurance company may challenge your claim, alleging the symptoms are unrelated to your construction accident injury.
Therefore, watch for delayed symptoms after a construction site accident and report them to your healthcare provider and employer. You can also consult our construction accident lawyers, and we’ll ensure your claim is documented.
Understanding why delayed or aggravated symptoms matter will significantly improve your recovery and your ability to receive benefits.
How to Document Your Worsening Condition
Documenting your worsening condition after a construction accident involves doing the following:
- Inform your doctor of the worsening conditions and get immediate treatment. Ensure your doctor enters the aggravated condition and how it relates to your injury into your medical record, and follow the treatment plan.
- Maintain copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and treatment plans. These documents are essential for proving the progression of your condition. Also, keep a daily journal of your symptoms, noting any changes, new symptoms, or worsening conditions. Include details like pain levels, mobility issues, and symptoms affecting your daily activities.
- If you have visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and swellings, take pictures to capture the changes over time.
- Inform your employer of the worsening condition, in writing, and make sure it is added to the initial accident report.
How to Protect Your Workers’ Compensation Rights
Protecting your workers’ compensation rights after a construction accident involves taking the above steps. Additionally, make sure your employer files an updated claim with their insurance company and cooperates with any investigations or evaluations the insurer requests. The insurance company will likely send you to their doctor for verification.
Furthermore, learn the benefits you’re entitled to under New York Workers’ Compensation Law. You can also consult our workers’ compensation lawyers. We will inform you of your rights, ensure they are protected, and guide you in handling your worsening condition. If your condition worsened after you settled your claim, we will help you understand if and how you can reopen it.
Get the Help You Need From Our Tucker Lawyers Team
If you or a loved one suffered a construction site accident, and your injuries worsened, leaving you unsure of what to do, contact Tucker Lawyers immediately. We will guide you to take steps that secure your rights, protect your health, and increase your chances of getting workers’ compensation for your worsening condition. Call us at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]