Why It is Important to See a Doctor After an Injury
Not all injuries after an accident appear immediately, with some not appearing until hours or days afterward. If you decide to go home without seeking medical attention, this could impact your health and prevent you from making a legal claim. Seeking medical attention is only one piece of the puzzle, with the other being retaining the services of our experienced Franklin County personal injury lawyers.
Symptoms May Be Delayed
While some symptoms may be delayed due to adrenaline pumping through your veins, other conditions may not present until time has passed. For example, a person may not realize that they suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) until they begin to experience headaches, confusion, or mood swings. A TBI may involve a primary and secondary injury, with the primary injury being the original blow to the head and a secondary injury being cerebral edema (brain swelling) from the initial injury.
Until the secondary injury occurs, the accident victim may feel relatively normal. In the current example, cerebral edema can cause intracranial pressure (ICP) to rise. If left untreated, the individual could suffer permanent brain damage and even lapse into a coma. By seeking medical care immediately, you reduce your risk of further injury or complications (even if you are currently not experiencing any symptoms).
To Preserve Your Claim
Seeking medical attention immediately preserves your right to file an insurance claim. If you wait after your injury to be medically evaluated, the insurance company may deny your claim. The insurer may claim that your injuries were due to something else, not the accident. Our legal team recommends being seen within 72 hours of your injury. If your injuries are minor but you do not want to go to the ER, consider going to a walk-in urgent care center. If your condition deteriorates and you have not received medical care, your insurance may claim that you contributed to further injuries.
To Preserve Evidence
Medical documentation, including X-rays, CT scans, and other medical imaging, as well as a doctor’s examination, is needed to show the extent and severity of your injuries. If you choose not to receive a medical evaluation, you will not have proof of the severity of your injuries immediately after the crash. Consequently, your settlement will be diminished. While being evaluated immediately is preferable, you will still need to collect all invoices related to home modifications, prescriptions, and physical therapy visits to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
To Receive a Fair Settlement
Being evaluated by a medical professional following a personal injury or accident is essential to receiving a fair settlement. If you suffered an injury at work, you may have to undergo another medical evaluation, known as an impairment rating evaluation (IRE). This will be requested by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer to rate your whole-body impairment if you have been on total disability benefits for 104 weeks.
You will be evaluated by your non-treating physician to determine your level of disability and ability to return to work. If you put off being seen by a doctor immediately after your injury, the workers’ compensation insurer may claim that your injuries are linked to a pre-existing condition after performing your IRE. This will be more possible since they will not have the documentation linking your injury to the accident. As a result, you will more likely receive a smaller settlement.
Contact Our Franklin County Personal Injury Attorneys
At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger, we know that dealing with a personal injury can take a toll on anyone. While you may be afraid of the prognosis, seeking medical care immediately significantly reduces your risk of complications. It also gives you the added benefit of getting the compensation you deserve. To arrange your free consultation with one of our Franklin County personal injury lawyers, our office can be reached online or by phone at (717) 496-0070 today.