Questions to Ask Your Doctor in a Personal Injury Case
If you have been injured in an accident, you need to seek immediate medical attention. This is true regardless of whether you were involved in a car accident, a trucking accident, motorcycle accident or work related injury. When meeting with your doctor, you should ask the following questions for your information and to share with your personal injury attorney.1. What experience do you have with this type of injury?
It is important that you find a doctor who has experience treating this type of injury. While a general practice physician can be very helpful, you need a doctor who specializes in your injuries to ensure that you receive the best medical care and have the best chance at a full recovery.2. Do you have a working relationship with specialists and other physicians?
At times, you may need to be referred to another doctor for one or more of your injuries. In many personal injury cases, the victim suffers from more than one type of injury. For example, you may need to see an orthopedist for an injury to your knee in addition to treating with a neurologist for a head injury. In this case, you may need to have one physician that manages your overall care and coordinates with specialists for each of your injuries.3. What treatment plan do you recommend for my injuries?
You should discuss all of the treatment options available for your injuries including the benefits and risks associated with each type of treatment. Ask your physician which treatment plan he or she recommends and why. It is also a good idea to ask the physician which treatment plan he or she would recommend if this was a family member.4. When will I be able to go back to work?
Your doctor may not be able to give you a definite answer as to when you are able to go back to work; however, it is helpful to know if the doctor expects you to be out a few weeks or a few months.5. Do I have any limitations in what I can or should do while I am recovering?
If your doctor states that you cannot do a particular task, follow his or her directions exactly as stated. Insurance companies like to blame the victim for his or her injuries. If the insurance company can prove that you did not follow your doctor’s instructions, it can claim that you contributed to the severity of your injuries and your compensation should be reduced.6. Will I need physical therapy?
Many types of injuries require physical therapy. Physical therapy may be needed for a few weeks or a few months depending on the severity of your injuries.7. Can I expect a full recovery from my injuries?
Again, this is a difficult question for your physician to answer in the beginning of your treatment. As you continue treatment, your doctor can offer a prognosis of his or her opinion whether your chances to make a full recovery. Unfortunately, some victims suffer permanent damage or disability due to a catastrophic injury.8. Have you worked with personal injury attorneys?
Most physicians have worked with a personal injury attorney at one time or another in their career. It is vital that your physician is willing to work closely with your personal attorney to provide information on your medical treatment, recovery, and prognosis. Medical records can provide a lot of information; however, your attorney may want to discuss your injuries directly with your physician as the attorney prepares a settlement demand or prepares to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact an Experienced California Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, but was because of another person’s negligence, an injury attorney of Torem & Associates can help you during this difficult time. We understand that you have a lot of new questions and we want to help. Use our online contact form or call our office to schedule your free consultation with an injury attorney at our firm.
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