What are Subsequent Injuries?

Subsequent injuries are exactly what they sound like: injuries that occur after an initial injury. This can be a new injury to the same area as the original injury or a new injury to a different area.

There are several things you must know about subsequent injuries, including what you should know about the subsequent injury fund in Maryland.

Let’s start with basic information. There are several things to know about subsequent injuries. For example:

1. Subsequent Injuries are Common

Approximately 50 percent of people who suffer an initial injury go on to experience a subsequent injury. In part, this is because of the shock you feel immediately following the incident that caused your injuries. Your brain and body might not even process what has happened until a few hours, days, or longer after the initial event.

2. It Can Take Subsequent Injuries Days, Weeks, or Years to Arise

You should never assume that how you feel immediately after an accident is how you’ll feel the next day or even the next week. This is why you should always seek medical attention following a collision. A medical examination helps you determine if there are hidden injuries or if your initial response to the accident is preventing you from recognizing a problem.

3. They Can Be Serious

Although it might seem as if a serious injury would be apparent immediately, this isn’t always true. Subsequent injuries can be as serious, or more so than initial injuries. They can even be fatal.

In some cases, this is because internal injuries aren’t always obvious. You can have internal bleeding and not be in any pain. This is one of the many reasons it’s so important to seek professional medical attention following a collision or any other accident.

4. Subsequent Injuries Might Be Preventable

Taking proper care of your initial injury and seeking prompt medical treatment reduces your risk of developing a subsequent injury.

Following an accident, make sure you take care of yourself. This may seem like common sense, but it’s especially important when you’re dealing with chronic pain. Make sure to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly within your limitations.

Do your best to keep a positive attitude. This can be tough when dealing with the aftermath of an accident, especially if you have financial concerns.

However, your attitude has a significant impact on your healing. Getting the support you need following an accident makes it much easier to deal with the stress that comes in the aftermath of your injuries. This is important even if you don’t have any subsequent injuries, but it’s especially good for those who are dealing with long-term or chronic health issues linked to an accident.

5. Seek Medical and Legal Support

You might be reluctant to seek out the support you need following an accident. Unfortunately, this puts you at a significant disadvantage.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you are entitled to medical care and legal guidance. The sooner you reach out to people who can help you the likelier you are to recover fully and not be left with a bigger mess than necessary.

Subsequent Injury Fund in Maryland

If you’d like to know more about the Subsequent Injury Fund in Maryland, check out the website or contact us for more information.

If you have suffered an initial injury, be sure to take care of yourself and watch for signs of a subsequent injury. And if you do experience a subsequent injury, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.