It’s Important to Listen to Your Doctor after an Accident

If you have been hurt in an accident, one of your first priorities should be seeing a doctor. This will help determine the nature and extent of your injuries. This is important not only for your health but also for the success of your personal injury case. And, if you fail to follow your doctor’s advice, it can actually hurt your chances of obtaining a full and fair recovery for your injuries.

Insurance Companies Often Try to Downplay Injuries

The insurance company’s goal is to minimize the value of your claim. One of the ways insurers attack personal injury claims is to argue that a plaintiff’s injuries are not as severe as the plaintiff claims. Insurance companies also sometimes argue that a plaintiff exaggerated the injuries to his or her physician. Furthermore, insurers can also try to show that a plaintiff’s injuries were slower to heal or actually worsened by the plaintiff’s failure to follow the doctor’s instructions.

What You Can Do to Help Your Accident Case

Following “doctor’s orders” is not only good for your case, it’s good for your health. So, as your case progresses and you begin healing, it’s important to:

• Maintain communication with your health care providers. Keep all providers up to date on your symptoms and let them know if you develop new symptoms or pain.
• Attend all appointments. If you must cancel an appointment, document the reason and reschedule as soon as possible.
• Follow up with any specialists to whom your doctor refers you.
• Take the medications your doctor prescribes.
• If possible, keep a post-accident journal detailing your recovery, including your doctors’ visits and how your injuries impact your daily life.

Iowa Personal Injury Law Firm

Finally, at Keane Law firm, we work hard to help our clients obtain the best recovery possible in their cases. Looking after your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It can also go a long way toward helping you get the compensation you deserve. So, contact Attorney Ed Keane today at (712) 234-3088 to discuss your case.

This website has been prepared by Keane Law Firm for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.