The Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment
Following an accident, there are many steps you should take; one of the most crucial steps you can take is to seek immediate medical attention. Your health should always be your top priority, but it's important to understand that your medical records also play a vital role in your personal injury claim.
The information you share with your doctor about your injuries and symptoms not only impacts your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery but can also significantly impact the strength of your personal injury case. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when discussing their accident-related injuries with their doctors, which can inadvertently weaken their claim.
In this post, we discuss common missteps people make when talking with doctors following an accident. We also offer tips to help you navigate your conversation with medical professionals.
Avoid These Mistakes When Talking with Doctors About Your Accident Injuries
1. Being Stoic
It's tempting to downplay your injuries after an accident to appear strong and resilient. However, this "tough it out" mentality can be detrimental to both your health and your personal injury claim. Your doctor relies on accurate information to diagnose and treat your condition effectively. Understating your pain or symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or inadequate care.
Remember, your doctor has seen it all. They won't judge you for expressing your pain. In fact, accurately describing your symptoms is crucial for developing a proper treatment plan. Delaying medical attention because you think your injuries are minor can also be a mistake. Even seemingly small injuries can worsen over time if left untreated. It's essential to seek medical care promptly, regardless of how severe you believe your pain to be.
2. Being Vague About Your Injury
It is important that you are specific about your injuries. As we mentioned, you shouldn’t try to tough it out or downplay your pain, but you should also make sure that you explain how you feel in as much detail as possible.
For example, don’t say I hurt all over. Say what hurts, where, how it hurts, and when it hurts: “I have a throbbing pain in my left leg that persists even if I change positions. When you poke and prod the area, the pain becomes sharper. I also have a fleeting pain in my left hip; that pain comes and goes and is a much sharper pain.”
3. Exaggerating Your Symptoms
Don’t lie about your pain levels or symptoms. If you overexaggerate your injuries, you run the risk of compromising your care plan as well as your injury claim.
4. Failing to Seek a Second Opinion
Trusting your health to a single medical professional is understandable. However, in the complex realm of accident injuries, a second opinion can be invaluable. It's not about doubting your initial doctor's expertise but rather about ensuring you've explored all possible avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
A second opinion can provide additional insights into your injuries, confirm or dispute a previous diagnosis, and offer alternative treatment options. This comprehensive understanding of your condition is crucial for your recovery and can strengthen your personal injury claim.
5. Ignoring Medical Advice
After an accident, your doctor will likely recommend a specific treatment plan to help you recover. It's crucial to follow this plan diligently. Ignoring medical advice can have severe consequences for your health and can also weaken your personal injury claim.
Stopping treatment prematurely or failing to complete a prescribed course of therapy can hinder your recovery process and potentially lead to complications. Additionally, insurance companies often argue that a claimant's injuries are not as severe as claimed if they fail to follow recommended treatment.
6. Not Getting Detailed Information from Your Doctor
You should make sure that your doctor and other care providers offer you specific information about your injuries, care instructions, and follow-up needs. The more information you have, the better the recovery process will be.
7. Not Asking Questions
In making sure you get detailed information about your injuries and treatment, you should ask your healthcare provider questions. While it can be intimidating or may seem awkward, you have a right to understand what’s happening to you, how you can improve, and what your healing process may look like.
You should ask the following question when talking with your doctor following an accident:
- What caused your injuries? While you know that the accident itself caused your injuries, you want to ask so that it is documented in your records. You can also discover if an underlying condition contributed to your injuries.
- What is your diagnosis and prognosis? Your diagnosis outlines what exactly is “wrong” with you, and your prognosis refers to whether you will get better and when.
- Will you need future medical care? You should have an idea of whether you will potentially need surgery, physical therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment and the cost of such treatment.
- Can you work with your injuries? You should ask whether your injury will affect your ability to do your job. If you cannot work, when can you return, and will it be to full duty?
- Will you have chronic pain? You can be awarded damages for physical and mental pain and suffering resulting from your injuries.
- Is the injury permanent, or can you expect a full recovery? You should understand the long-term impact of your injuries.
8. Mentioning You May Consider a Personal Injury Suit
It’s not necessary and is not advisable to inform your doctor about a potential personal injury lawsuit. Disclosing legal matters might complicate the doctor-patient relationship. Your doctor's primary concern is your health, not the legal aspects of your case, and revealing your intentions can lead to a potential bias that influences your diagnosis, treatment, or medical records.
9. Lying About Your Prior Medical History
Your doctor needs an accurate medical history to properly diagnose you, and by omitting or falsifying information, you risk receiving ineffective or even harmful care and weakening your claim. The opposing counsel will thoroughly investigate your claim and evidence, which includes your medical history. If discrepancies are found, your credibility will be damaged, and your claim could be dismissed or significantly reduced.
10. Not Talking About Your Emotional or Mental State
As we mentioned, your mental pain and suffering, as well as your emotional distress, can impact your damages. It is also important to address your emotional and mental state in your care plan.
Ultimately, the relationship between a patient and their doctor is built on trust. By honestly and openly discussing your injuries and symptoms, you empower your doctor to provide the best possible care. This candid communication not only benefits your physical well-being but also strengthens your legal position. Remember, your health is paramount, but documenting your experience is also crucial to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your losses.
Injured due to someone else’s negligence? Call (720) 809-8262 to request a case consultation today!