Car Accidents The Importance of Early Treatment, and Documentation

 Today, we received a call from a potential client.  This individual was injured in a car accident and was in pain.  There is one huge problem:  the accident occurred in March and he started his treatment in October (seven months after the accident).
Why is it a problem?  Put yourself in the shoes of a potential juror.  You are called to serve as a juror and are presented with a case where the injured party claims he/she was in pain for seven months but didn’t see anyone for his/her pain.  He/she did not go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care, visit his/her primary care doctor, treat with a chiropractor/physical therapy, or see an orthopedic surgeon.  Yet, this person now stands before me, asking to be compensated for his/her “pain and suffering.”
What would you think? You would think if this person was truly in pain for seven months, he/she would have treated with someone, anyone!  So, yes – delay in seeking medical treatment will be held against the injured party.  I cannot stress this enough:  if you are injured in a car accident (or slip and fall), you need to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.  It’s better for you and for your legal case.
If you cannot afford the treatment, seek advice from a personal injury attorney.  Most personal injury attorneys can refer you to a health care provider who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning that the provider will delay getting paid until your case is resolved.
Finally, it’s imperative you attend all your scheduled treatments. If an insurance company sees you skipping appointments, it suggests your injuries are not severe or legitimate. Documentation is important for a successful claim.
For more information, please call The Mason Law Firm at 661-476-5678 or email mason@mrscvlaw.com.