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It is not uncommon for people to be involved in an accident and think they do not have any injuries. However, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, even if you do not think you are seriously injured. This is because some injuries may not be immediately apparent. These are called delayed injuries.
Common Causes of Delayed Injuries
Delayed injuries are a type of injury that does not become apparent until some time after the initial injury occurs. These injuries can be challenging to diagnose and treat because the symptoms may not appear until weeks or even months after the original injury occurred. Delayed injuries can occur from a variety of causes, including:
- Car accidents.
- Slips and falls.
- Workplace accidents.
Injuries from these accidents may not be immediately present but can develop over time and cause severe pain and suffering.
Examples of Delayed Injuries
Whether resulting from a workplace accident or due to repetitive trauma, delayed injuries can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Soft tissue damage: This is often the result of car accidents or falls and can include damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments. Symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after the initial injury.
- Repetitive stress injuries: These occur when a person performs the same motion over and over again, such as typing on a keyboard or lifting heavy objects. The symptoms of these injuries can also take weeks or months to develop.
- Exposure to toxic substances: This can include exposure to asbestos, lead or chemicals. The symptoms of these injuries may not appear for years after the initial exposure.
- Psychological injuries: These can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The symptoms of these injuries may not appear until long after the traumatic event has occurred.
Is the Statute of Limitations Affected?
Delayed injuries may affect the statute of limitations or the time an injured party has to file a lawsuit. In some jurisdictions, the statute of limitations may be tolled or extended if the injury was not discovered until after the initial accident (known as the discovery rule). For example, if someone is in a car accident and does not realize they have been injured until weeks later, the statute of limitations may be extended to allow them to file a claim.
Were You Injured in a San Francisco Car Accident?
No one knows a car accident's financial, physical, and emotional cost better than the experienced personal injury lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn. Since 1980, we have represented clients injured in car accidents and helped them secure the compensation they need to move on with their lives. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, we can help.
Contact Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn today at (415) 940-7176 to schedule a free consultation.