Any knowledgeable personal injury attorney will tell you that it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an injury. This ensures that the injuries you sustained in the accident are documented so the insurance company cannot question them. But, does it matter what type of medical treatment you receive after an injury? Here’s what you need to know:
Mainstream vs. Alternative Medicine
Many people believe in treating their injuries using alternative medicine such as acupuncture, but it’s best to stick to mainstream methods if you are filing a personal injury claim. Insurance companies want to see that you were treated in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office. If you are only treated using alternative methods, it may be harder to prove that you deserve compensation for your injuries.
Doctors vs. Non-MDs
Similarly, insurance companies would rather see medical bills from physicians as opposed to physical therapists or chiropractors. Of course, chiropractors and physical therapists can help some people after injuries, but the insurance company tends to think of these treatments as less important than others. In fact, one survey found that personal injury victims who went to a chiropractor received compensation that was 41% less than the average personal injury payout. This is especially true if you visited a chiropractor or physical therapist without seeing a doctor first. It’s recommended that you get a referral so the insurance company sees that you were treated by a physician first.
Diagnosis vs. Treatment
The amount of time that it takes for a medical professional to diagnose an injury will depend on the type of injury that you have sustained. Sometimes, a doctor will be able to diagnose your condition after a quick physical examination, while other times he may have to run numerous tests. If a doctor has to run multiple tests, this can end up being a significant portion of your total medical expenses. In this case, the insurance company may not take your injuries as seriously since most of the medical expenses you have incurred were related to diagnostic testing. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be reimbursed for the expenses, but it could affect how much compensation you will be able to recover for pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured due to another person’s negligence, seek legal representation as soon as possible. The attorneys at Reisch Law Firm will ensure that you receive the right medical treatment so you are compensated fairly. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
