After being injured in an accident, the first thing you need to do is to see a doctor for a full evaluation and medical care. Not just because your health is a priority, but without proof of the nature and severity of your injuries, you might not get the compensation you need. If you try to file a personal injury claim without valid medical evidence showing that someone else’s negligence was the direct cause of your injuries, your claim could be denied. The timing of the treatment is also important. If you postpone seeking medical assistance, it becomes increasingly difficult to demonstrate a link between your injury and the accident. If you were injured in an accident through no fault of your own, the Hampton personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp are here to help. With more than 70 combined years of experience practicing personal injury law, we know what it takes to build a strong case for compensation. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Are Medical Records Important in a Personal Injury Claim?
To be able to file a personal injury claim in pursuit of compensation for your medical expenses and other losses, you must first see a doctor. Official documentation of a physical assessment performed by a qualified medical professional is essential. It allows your Hampton personal injury attorney and the insurance carrier to review not only the severity of your injuries but how they have impacted your daily life. This information plays a vital role in determining the amount of compensation required to facilitate a complete recovery.
Some medical documents that can strengthen your injury claim are:
- Hospital bills
- Prescriptions and receipts for medications
- Physical therapy expenses
- Co-pays for doctor appointments
- Proof of surgeries and other medical procedures
- Receipts for necessary medical devices, such as wheelchairs
Do I Need to Follow My Doctor’s Treatment Plan?
Failure to follow your treatment plan to the letter could result in your claim being devalued or possibly even denied by the insurance carrier. Insurance companies often try to reduce settlement payouts as much as possible and will use any reason they can find to avoid paying compensation. If you deviate from your doctor’s orders or decide to disregard them entirely, they could use this as proof that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
Sticking to your treatment plan and going to all of your medical appointments will give the insurance company one less excuse to deny or devalue your injury claim. If you complete every step outlined in your doctor’s treatment plan and can supply evidence that you have done so, it will help strengthen your claim.
What Steps Should I Take Immediately Following an Injury?
If you are badly injured, you need to seek medical attention immediately. If you do not think your injuries are serious, you should make an appointment with your family doctor as soon as possible. After your evaluation, make sure that you:
Are Honest About Your Condition
If you give conflicting, misleading, or false accounts about how you were injured or how serious your injury is, the insurance company will most likely find out and use the inconsistencies in your story to invalidate or reduce your claim.
Be Mindful of What You Post Online
Any information about your injury and how it happened should be kept between you and your Hampton personal injury attorney. Anything you post on social media, even bland status updates or innocuous family photos, can be used against you.
Keep a Personal Injury Daily Log
It’s a smart idea to keep a record of your injuries, pain levels, and medical treatments during your recovery. Document the medicines you take, any setbacks or improvements in your condition, and how your injuries are affecting your day-to-day activities. You can also note any emotional problems you experience such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Do You Have Questions About a Personal Injury Claim?
If you are struggling to prove the severity of your accident-related injuries or how they happened, contact the Hampton personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. We have been helping injured clients pursue maximum compensation for their injuries and other damages caused by another party’s negligence since 1985, like the $3.5 million wrongful death settlement we secured for the family of a truck accident victim. If you would like to discuss your potential claim with one of our attorneys and discover what actions we recommend, schedule a free consultation by calling (833) 997-1774 or filling out the contact form on our website. Our offices are located in Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth.