One of the most critical elements to winning your personal injury case is seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we do not always think about going to the doctor immediately after getting injured as many injuries take days or weeks to show their seriousness.
The best policy is to go to a doctor immediately after you have suffered an injury. Even if your physician simply tells you to take two aspirin and call in the morning it is important to have a record of that visit. If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence simple visiting your general physician may not be enough to win a personal injury case. By following these simple tips you will have the most complete medical records to assist you in your case.
Take Someone with You to Your Appointments
The most important thing you should be doing at a doctor's appointment is focusing on getting well. By bringing a friend or relative with you to your appointments, they can keep track of the details. While the physician is examining you, your friend can be taking detailed notes on the advice the doctor is giving. This information will allow you to have additional confidence while using this advise and during follow up appointments.
Get Second Opinions
When you are suffering from a significant injury, having the most complete information is essential. At times this may require a second opinion. Getting second opinions is a standard practice in the medical field and it should not offend a physician to hear that you will be seeing different doctor. Inform your physician in a matter a fact way that while you trust their advice you want to explore as many options as possible and will be asking for a second opinion. The first step in this process, is verifying your insurance will cover a second opinion. Next, find another highly qualified and respected physician. After you make an appointment with another physician, get copies of your recent medical records from your original physician.
See a specialist
The opinion of a specialist will give greater weight to a personal injury case. The physicians have acquired additional training in their field and are considered experts. By retaining a specialist to examine your injuries and review your medical records that expertise will be directed towards both your care and recovery and to any court case that may ensue.
Keep excellent records
By keeping personal records of all of your medical care you will have that information on hand rather than needing to request it from another source. These records should include which physicians you saw and when you saw them and the costs of these visits. You should also record which over the counter and prescription medications were required and the costs associated with those medications. Many people also record the length of those visits and the cost of transportation to those appointments. If you bring a friend or relative with you also consider the time they took out of their busy schedules to assist you.
For more helpful information on making a personal injury claim, please visit our Personal Injury Resources page