Experiencing injuries from an accident can be disorienting, and amidst the distress, some may opt to postpone or overlook a comprehensive medical evaluation. However, getting this examination done is hugely beneficial — for both your immediate health outcomes and potentially significant legal reasons that could surface later. The following are five of the most important reasons for a medical evaluation.
1. Early Diagnosis and Treatment
One of the most important things you can do after an accident is undergo a medical evaluation to seek early diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes, after an accident, you won’t feel certain injuries because of the shock and adrenaline that is produced after the accident. Seeking medical help is essential to ensure that your injuries are diagnosed and any treatments can be started as soon as possible. This quick response is often key to avoiding further complications that can prolong recovery timeframes drastically and prevent unnecessary suffering for victims of accidents.
Doctors may apply various diagnostic strategies at a medical evaluation, including:
- Physical Examination. Initial observations help identify critical concerns right after the accident, like noticeable lacerations, bruising, or swelling that may indicate immediate injuries.
- Blood Work. Depending on the nature of the accident, a doctor might order blood tests. Certain injuries, like internal bleeding or organ damage, may not display outward signs but can reveal themselves through specific markers in your bloodstream.
- Imaging Tests. Sometimes, injuries may lurk below the surface and present no apparent discomfort initially. Employing imaging techniques such as X-rays or MRI scans can help medical practitioners see such details invisible in a standard physical examination.
By obtaining a medical evaluation promptly, these potential injuries can be identified sooner rather than later. The opportunity for timely initiation of treatment translates into faster recovery times and reduces overall chances of long-term impairment or other health complications related to the accident.
2. Evidence of Injuries: Supporting a Claim or Lawsuit
If you need to file a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit after an accident, it’s essential to have medical records to support your claim. Medical records form a significant basis for what you’re entitled to and can be the difference between getting what you need to be able to focus on your recovery and getting nothing.
Additionally, if you don’t seek medical attention right away and then decide to file a personal injury claim, the insurance company will almost certainly argue that you aren’t as injured as you claim to be. Otherwise, you would have sought help right away. Failing to undergo an appropriate medical examination soon after your accident can significantly damage your claim.
3. Linking Injuries to the Accident
Establishing a link between your injuries and the incident leading to these is crucial for any personal injury claim or lawsuit. Your medical evaluation can provide a timeline from which causation can clearly be traced.
Deciding not to get immediate medical care could result in disputes where opposing parties might argue that other unrelated events caused those injuries. Having an early evaluation doesn’t just aid recovery – it strengthens the proof needed for successful compensation claims.
4. Supporting Claims for Pain and Suffering
Detailed medical records can be the key evidence that helps tie your physical injuries to emotional distress, often referred to as pain and suffering. This aspect could include psychological impact, loss of enjoyment of life, stress, and anxiety resulting from the injury and events. While these types of injuries aren’t as visible as a broken bone, they’re just as tangible in terms of their impact on your life and well-being.
Documentation outlining your painful experiences or restrictions placed on regular activities by doctors provides tangible indications of these non-economic costs.
5. Peace of Mind
In the aftermath of an unexpected injury, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and consumed by immediate concerns or unease over potential complications down the line. Scheduling a quick medical evaluation provides much-needed peace of mind during this time of uncertainty.
It also gives you a better chance at recovering compensation, which can provide you with continued financial stability to meet the costs of any required medical treatment. Knowing that professionals are handling all aspects of your health can help to alleviate unnecessary stress.
FAQ
How soon after an injury should I undergo a medical evaluation?
It’s recommended that you seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible following your injury, even if it appears to be minor. Detecting and treating injuries early can often lead to better recovery outcomes and also strengthen any subsequent legal claims.
What if the injury worsens after the initial medical evaluation?
Even after your initial examination, if symptoms persist or become worse over time, it’s critical to revisit your healthcare provider for further assessment. Let them diagnose whether it’s part of the expected recovery process or if there is additional treatment needed.
Can a medical evaluation help even if I don’t plan on filing a legal claim?
Yes, absolutely. Even if you don’t plan on filing a legal claim, your health is very important, and you should take all steps necessary to ensure your well-being.
Also, just because you don’t plan on filing a claim immediately doesn’t mean you won’t decide to file one in the future. By seeking medical attention right away, you give yourself the best chance of filing a successful claim if you decide to take that step in the future.
Is there a deadline for undergoing a medical evaluation for it to be useful in my legal case?
While there isn’t a firm deadline, it’s significantly beneficial to undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the occurrence of an accident or noticing signs of injury. Swiftly carrying out this step helps underline the correlation between your injuries and the accident. Any unreasonable delay can lend room for insurance adjusters or opposing attorneys to argue that some conditions were due to intervening events rather than your reported accident – possibly undermining an otherwise valid claim.
Contact Gomez Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Your health is of utmost importance after an accident. Seeking prompt medical attention not only aids you in the healing process but also acts as a stepping stone for securing rightful compensation when the accident was due to someone else’s negligence. Reach out to our experienced team at Gomez Trial Attorneys following any injury, and we’ll guide you every step of the way. For a free consultation, get started today by calling us at 619-237-3490 or by contacting us online.