When Slow And Gradual Injuries Sneak Up On You
When most people think about an injury, it's only natural that sudden and unexpected injuries come to mind. That is far from the only way to be injured, though. In many cases, harm comes about in a gradual manner. Just because your injury took time to develop is no reason to keep you from benefiting from personal injury damages. The rules about these types of injuries are a bit different in the way they abide by the statute of limitations. To find out more, read on.
Injuries That Are Slower to Show Up
It's unfortunate when this type of injury afflicts a victim and they fail to take action because of some common personal injury misconceptions. Even if you did not take action as soon as something began affecting you, you may still be owed damages. This category of injury contains elements that may not cause noticeable harm — at first. Take a look at a few examples to give you a better idea:
- You used a common pesticide in your yard for many years. At first, you were not affected by the spray but then began developing illnesses related to pesticide use.
- You worked around asbestos or other dangerous substances. At first, there was no damage to your lungs. Later on, though, you are diagnosed with a certain type of cancer associated with asbestos exposure.
- You used talcum powder for ten years before developing cancer associated with the use of talc.
Taking Action: What to Know
Once you have been diagnosed with a medical condition because of a bad product or substance, it's time to take action against the responsible party. As you do, keep in mind the following:
- Seek medical attention first and then speak to a personal injury lawyer. Keep good records of your medical treatment.
- The target of any legal actions is the manufacturers of the harmful products or the employer that allowed the harm to occur. Your lawyer will be aware of any class action suits already in process.
- Don't let the fact that the harm began months or years ago deter you from seeking damages. However, know that once you know (or should have known) about the injury, the statute of limitations clock begins to tick. That limits the time you have to seek legal action against the defendant.
Personal injury lawyers know what to do when you have been hurt by any type of harm, slow or quick. They understand the process and can advocate on your behalf to get you paid what you deserve for your medical condition. Don't leave money on the table — speak to a lawyer today.
For more information, contact a company like Arrington Schelin, a Professional Corporation.
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