WHAT DOES COVID-19 MEAN FOR MY PERSONAL INJURY TREATMENT GAPS?

When it comes to personal injury cases, the value of the case is often dependent, at least in part, on the treatment that the client undergoes. Gaps in treatment are incredibly harmful to the case, as the at-fault party will use these gaps to try and reduce the amount they owe by arguing that the injured party was not as hurt as they claim, that they did not mitigate their own damages, or that they did not follow doctor?s directions. With COVID-19 affecting so many doctors’ appointment availability, many people treating for personal injuries from car wrecks, slip and falls, dog bites and other causes are finding it impossible to avoid gaps in treatment and are worried about the impact of those gaps on their case. What should you do for your personal injury case?

Attend all appointments that you possibly can. Many doctors’ offices are still open and are accepting some appointments. Call your doctor and ask if there is a time they can still see you, even if it means taking extra precautions during the visit or changing your normal appointment days and times.

If your doctor or medical provider cannot see you, ask your doctor what you can do at home while you wait for your next appointment and follow those instructions.

Document everything you are doing at home to continue your treatment. This can include keeping a journal of your daily home exercises/stretches, your medication routine each day, and even a call log documenting your attempts to schedule appointments with your doctor.

Reach out to your attorney and keep them updated so they can properly document your efforts in the case file.

This post is for informational purposes and it is not our intent to give legal advice or to create an attorney/client relationship. If you need legal advice regarding a motor vehicle collision, slip and fall or other injury, please feel free to contact a personal injury attorney at Smith, Welch, Webb & White at 844-810-4357. We can meet in person, via an email, or via a video conference. There is never an initial consultation fee and most cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you don?t pay us unless we recover for you. We?ll be happy to assist.