When you’re injured in an accident and seek medical treatment, you expect your condition to improve. But what if your injury gets worse after treatment? In Zachary, Louisiana, this situation is more common than many realize—and it can raise serious questions about medical care, legal responsibility, and your rights as an injury victim.
Whether the initial injury occurred in a car accident, truck accident, or due to another party’s negligence, worsening symptoms can lead to more medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering. If you’re facing this situation, speaking with a personal injury attorney may help you explore whether you can seek compensation for the harm you’ve experienced.
Can You Take Legal Action If Your Condition Worsens?
Yes. If your injury worsens due to inadequate or negligent medical treatment, or if you were discharged prematurely or misdiagnosed, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim or even a medical malpractice case. Legal action can help cover the additional medical expenses and the extended impact on your daily life.
Common injuries that may worsen after treatment include:
- Soft tissue injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, ligament tears)
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal injuries
- Broken bones that don’t heal properly
- Traumatic brain injuries
In such cases, a knowledgeable injury attorney can help determine whether medical errors contributed to your declining condition.
What Causes an Injury to Get Worse After Treatment?
Several factors can lead to worsening injuries, even after receiving medical care:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Inappropriate or rushed treatment plans
- Inadequate follow-up care
- Failure to identify underlying injuries
- Complications from medications or surgeries
For example, a person treated after a truck accident in Zachary may be told they only have muscle soreness, but later discover spinal cord or internal injuries that were overlooked.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney in Zachary
A personal injury attorney plays a crucial role in protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation. Here’s how a legal team can assist you:
1. Gathering Evidence
An attorney will gather medical records, witness testimonies, and expert evaluations to demonstrate that your condition worsened due to medical negligence or lack of proper care. These records are essential in building a strong case.
2. Dealing with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies may try to deny or minimize your claim, arguing that the new symptoms aren’t related to the original injury. Your lawyer will push back, providing proof of the connection and ensuring that you are treated fairly.
3. Calculating the Full Extent of Your Damages
This includes not only current medical expenses but also projected costs for future treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possible permanent disability. These factors are essential in negotiating a fair settlement.
How a Worsening Injury Affects Compensation
If your injury worsens due to improper care or delayed diagnosis, it could increase the value of your personal injury claim. Compensation may cover:
- Additional medical treatment
- Extended recovery time
- Permanent disability or diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress and physical pain
- Loss of income and earning capacity
Working with an experienced attorney ensures that these factors are accurately included in your case.
When to Contact an Attorney
If your injury symptoms have intensified or new problems have emerged after treatment, it’s time to consult with a personal injury attorney in Zachary. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the worsening condition is a result of negligence and advise you on next steps.
Rozas Injury Law, LLC offers personalized legal help to injury victims dealing with complex medical and legal challenges. Our attorneys understand how to prove worsening injuries and fight for fair compensation.
Call to Action
Learn more about your options if your injury worsened after treatment in Zachary. Call Rozas Injury Law, LLC at (225) 343-0010 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
FAQs About Worsening Injuries After Treatment in Zachary
Can I still file a claim if I initially agreed to a settlement?
It depends. If you signed a release of liability, it may limit your options. Contact a personal injury attorney immediately to review your case.
What if the worsening injury was due to a doctor’s mistake?
You may have a valid medical malpractice claim. Your attorney will help you determine if negligence played a role in the decline of your condition.
How do I prove that my injury worsened because of treatment?
Medical records, expert evaluations, and a timeline of your symptoms will help link the worsening condition to the original treatment.
Is there a time limit to file a claim in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Act quickly to preserve your rights.
Will the insurance company cover the new medical expenses?
Not without a fight. Insurance companies often deny worsening injury claims unless supported by strong medical documentation and legal representation.
