What Is Considered a Chronic Injury in Seattle?

Colburn Law

Posted in Blog,Personal Injury on April 22, 2024

Injuries are a common part of life, but they are not all the same. While some injuries heal within days or weeks, others can evolve into chronic conditions that persist far beyond the initial harm.

Chronic injuries are particularly insidious as often go unnoticed until they become a constant source of discomfort and a barrier to normal life.

The Criteria for a Chronic Injury

A chronic injury usually arises from extended, repetitive motions or the cumulative deterioration of muscles, tendons, or bones.

Unlike acute injuries, which occur suddenly due to specific incidents, chronic injuries evolve due to ongoing strain or improper use of body parts. For example, continuous overuse of a joint in sports or repetitive strain from daily work activities can lead to conditions like tendonitis or stress fractures.

Even injuries resulting from accidents, such as those sustained in vehicle collisions or during an unfortunate fall, can develop into chronic issues if not properly addressed. Often, the initial acute injury may seem resolved, but residual effects can linger, evolving into chronic pain or mobility issues.

Common Types of Chronic Injuries

Several injuries may be classified as chronic, such as the following:

• Tendonitis: These injuries result from the repetitive use of tendons in various body parts. The tendons are often inflamed or become degraded over time. Tendonitis often manifests as persistent joint pain, which can worsen with activity.
• Stress Fractures: These small breaks in bones can occur from continuous overuse, which is common among athletes or those with physically demanding jobs. Accidents such as slips, falls, or sudden impacts can also cause stress fractures.
• Chronic Back Pain: This condition often develops from poor posture or non-ergonomic working conditions. However, it can also occur as a result of a car accident or another accident that causes damage to the back.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is characterized by numbness and tingling in the hand and arm due to a pinched nerve in the wrist. It is often seen in people who perform repetitive hand movements at work.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: These injuries involve damage to the shoulder area, making it painful to lift the arm. They often affect those who perform repetitive overhead motions.

How To Recover Compensation After A Chronic Injury In Seattle

If a chronic injury results from another’s negligence—be it a reckless driver, an unsafe workplace, or another liable party—you might be entitled to compensation.

By filing a legal claim, you can recover compensation to help pay for a range of losses related to the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, proving a chronic injury claim can be challenging. You will need to link your injury and the damages that you have suffered to the incident at hand, which requires a great deal of evidence. Some insurance providers are reluctant to acknowledge the severity of chronic injuries and may dispute the long-term effects or the need for ongoing treatment.

In these situations, a Seattle personal injury attorney can provide the support that you need to recover fair compensation. Your lawyer can help clarify your legal options, gather the necessary evidence, and help you navigate the claims process with confidence. After your diagnosis, contact an attorney as soon as possible and begin exploring you