A fall at a stadium or event venue can happen in an instant. Immediately afterward, you may feel nothing except a little embarrassment. However, delayed pain after a fall is common, especially in orthopaedic injuries involving the shoulders, knees, and back.
Symptoms of shoulder, knee, or back injuries may not emerge for hours or even days after a fall. What you initially interpreted as a bump or mild strain could become more problematic as swelling from soft-tissue damage builds up. If you believe your injury occurred because of an event venue or operator’s negligence, a British Columbia personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Why Pain May Not Show Up Right Away After a Fall
When you fall, your body releases adrenaline and other stress hormones that can temporarily mask pain. The body evolved this response to help early humans survive danger, but it can also hide the early warning signs of an injury.
Once the adrenaline wears off, inflammation sets in, and swelling can press on nerves and irritate joints. Sprains or strains often stiffen up as your body relaxes. Walking around the venue, sitting through the rest of the game, or driving home can all aggravate a shoulder, knee, or back injury before you even realize you’re hurt.
When Delayed Shoulder, Knee, or Back Pain Needs Medical Attention
Some symptoms call for prompt medical care rather than a wait-and-see approach. Contact a doctor or visit an emergency room if you notice any of the following:
- Trouble bearing weight
- Worsening back pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness or joint instability
- Severe or worsening pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Tell your doctor that your injuries began after a fall at the event venue. The provider can include this information on your medical record, which can serve as valuable evidence for your injury claim.
What to Document After a Stadium or Event Fall
Detailed records can support any future insurance or legal claim you decide to file later. Try to gather:
- Photos of the hazard and the exact location where you fell
- A copy of any incident report the venue completed
- Names and contact details for any witnesses
- Your ticket or seat information
- Any emails, texts, or letters you exchange with the venue or event organizer
Can You Make an Injury Claim in BC If Pain Appeared Later?
Delayed symptoms do not automatically stop you from making a claim. Under BC’s Occupiers Liability Act, occupiers of stadiums, arenas, and event venues must take reasonable care to keep visitors safe on their property. Failure to do so may expose them to legal liability.
Medical records that connect your symptoms to the fall become important evidence when your pain builds slowly rather than emerging immediately. BC law generally gives you two years from the date of the fall to file a personal injury claim, though claims involving municipal property can carry a much shorter notice requirement.
If you’re dealing with delayed shoulder, knee, or back pain after a stadium or event fall, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP can review what happened and explain your options. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing up front, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a member of our skilled personal injury team.
