If you’ve been injured as a result of a car accident or an on-the-job injury, odds are you’re going to seek out a medical evaluation. For starters, it’s required if you’re going to pursue compensation, but it also allows you to understand what you’re dealing with and how to best treat it. Going to the doctor after an accident is a good start, but there are also some things you should do during this meeting that can help with your injury claim. We explain how to get the most out of your medical visit following an accident in today’s blog.
Getting Medical Help and Maximizing Your Claim
Here are some things to keep in mind in regards to your medical care following an accident with injury.
1. The Sooner, The Better – Don’t put off a doctor’s visit on the hopes that the injury will get better. Even if pain fades a little, you’re still going to want to have your injuries fully assessed. Doctors have a number of different techniques for getting to the bottom of your pain, be it with a physical exam, imaging tests or a combination of both. The sooner your injuries are documented, the sooner your company becomes aware of your restrictions, and this also allows your lawyer to begin formulating a case and filing your award claim. There are time constraints to filing a claim, so don’t delay.
2. Talk About All Injuries – Now is not the time to be tough and try to mask your pain or hide your injuries from your doctor. Let them know about all the pains your having following the accident. Don’t just talk about the physical pain either, also talk about your mental and emotional health and how that has been affected by the accident. You can’t get compensation for an injury that is not documented, so be an open book with your doctor when it comes to your health.
3. Don’t Fake It – On the flip side, don’t embellish injuries or lie about what’s causing pain. Your doctor is trained to spot when someone isn’t telling the truth, and oftentimes tests can confirm their suspicions. Even if you have legitimate pain, your whole claim can be denied if you’re caught lying about another aspect of your injury or the accident itself. Be truthful about your pain, and you’ll put yourself in the best position to earn a compensation award.
4. Follow Doctors Orders – If you are told to avoid work or not to lift more than 20 pounds, follow these instructions and share any restrictions with your employer. The insurance company will be looking for any reason to deny your claim, and if you’re going against the wishes of your doctor, they may argue that you are not acting in good faith. Follow your doctor’s orders following the medical visit.
5. Connect With Your Injury Lawyer – If possible, it’s a great idea to connect with your lawyer before you go to the doctor, but you’ll definitely want to talk to them after the evaluation. They’ll know how to use the doctor’s expert opinion to make a case to maximize your compensation award, so get them a copy of the doctor’s report as soon as possible. They’ll also be able to explain the next steps in your case and keep you up to date on deadlines. Your doctor and your lawyer will be your two closest resources following an accident, so make sure any medical evaluations or changes get passed along to your lawyer.
For more tips, or to talk to a lawyer in your area following an injury, reach out to Hey Workers today for more information.
