Why Medical Treatment Matters for Your Personal Injury Case
Seeking prompt and consistent medical treatment after an accident isn't just important for your health—it's crucial for your personal injury case. Here's why medical documentation matters so much.
Medical records serve as evidence of your injuries. They document what injuries you sustained, when they were diagnosed, and how they've affected your life. Without this documentation, it's your word against the insurance company's.
Delays in treatment can hurt your case. Insurance companies often argue that if you were really injured, you would have sought immediate medical attention. A gap between the accident and your first doctor's visit can be used to question the severity of your injuries.
Follow your doctor's treatment plan. Missing appointments or failing to follow prescribed treatments gives insurance companies ammunition to argue that your injuries aren't as serious as you claim.
Be honest with your healthcare providers. Tell them about all your symptoms, even ones that seem minor. Some injuries worsen over time, and having early documentation of symptoms can be important.
Keep all medical records and bills organized. You'll need to provide these to your attorney and potentially to the court. This includes hospital records, doctor's notes, prescription receipts, and therapy records.
Don't downplay your symptoms. Many people try to be stoic about their pain, but this can backfire in a legal case. If you're hurting, say so—your medical records should accurately reflect your condition.
Consider seeing specialists if recommended. If your primary care doctor refers you to a specialist, follow through. Specialist opinions carry weight in personal injury cases.
Mental health treatment counts too. Accidents can cause anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Treatment for these conditions is just as valid as treatment for physical injuries.
Your medical treatment creates a paper trail that tells the story of your injury and recovery. The more complete and consistent this documentation, the stronger your case will be.