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Hidden Factors |
By
David Day
It sometimes happens that not all the injuries resulting from an accident are
readily apparent. Hidden injuries may not manifest themselves until weeks or
months later. In the meantime, if a plaintiff settles the claim and signs a
"General Release" form or some other document that releases all
claims, he or she may give up the right to make additional claims when these
hidden injuries make themselves known. This "General Release" form
releases the party found to be at fault (along with their insurance company)
from any future claims arising out of the accident. With this in mind, people
injured by accident should work closely with their physicians to be sure that
they are aware of the full extent of their injuries. Further consultation
with an attorney can assure that the timing of a claim takes into account
medical reality as well as legal restrictions.
In my experience, the possibility of hidden injury underscores the need to
fill out accident reports even when no injury seems to have been sustained,
and if there are any physical problems or complaints following an
accident–even if at the time the pain or problems seem minor–an examination
by a physician may eliminate problems or concerns further down the road. |
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