Secondary injuries are injuries that occur as the result of other injuries. Rather than being present at the time of the initial accident, secondary injuries can become present days, weeks, or even months following it. They are the result of the changes in the body that occur because of the original injury. Sometimes, they can be prevented. In other cases, they must be managed from the outset of the patient’s treatment. Doctors who treat injured patients should be aware of the potential secondary injuries a patient can face and take steps to reduce the patient’s chance of either suffering from the secondary injury or take steps to treat its symptoms. Those who do not take reasonable care as expected with an injured patient are negligent and can be liable for the patient’s resulting damages.

Examples of Secondary Injuries

A few examples of secondary injuries include:

• Oxygen deprivation due to inflammation putting pressure on the spinal cord, inhibiting its ability to move oxygenated blood through the body;

• Reduced cerebral blood flow after a traumatic brain injury;

• Chronic leg pain following a broken leg;

• Structural damage to the tissues, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the injured area of the body, which can cause the loss of motion or sensitivity in the area; and

• Mental health conditions that follow an injury, such as depression following the realization that one will be unable to continue his or her previous lifestyle following an injury.

Can I Seek Compensation for the Damages Related to my Secondary Injuries?

If you suffer a secondary injury as the direct result of a condition caused by a healthcare provider’s negligence, you can seek compensation for your damages through a medical malpractice claim. Negligent healthcare providers are liable for all damages resulting from their errors, including those that arise because of the patient’s original negligence-related injury. In order to recover compensation for damages related to your secondary injury, you must demonstrate that the secondary injury was directly caused by the act of negligence that caused your original condition or that it arose because of the negligent care you received for your initial injury.

Work with an Experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you are suffering from a secondary injury following an act of medical negligence, you could have grounds to receive compensation for your damages through a medical malpractice claim. To learn more about seeking compensation for your damages this way, speak with one of the experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Baizer Kolar, P.C. Contact our office today to set up your initial consultation with our team of collaborative, knowledgeable lawyers.