The Importance of Continuing Your Medical Treatment

If you are in an a rear-end accident, how can you show that you were hurt? The most common way to show an injury is with medical records. Each time you visit a doctor or medical facility, a record of that visit is created. You should be sure to tell the doctor about all of your injuries - and how they are progressing, getting worse, getting better, etc. If you do not tell the doctor about your problems, the problems will not make their way into the medical records.

Members of a jury were not with you when you were seen by the doctor, so they have no way of knowing about it other than by testimony from you or the doctors or, more likely, from medical records. If you are trying to settle a claim short of trial, medical records will be the main thing insurance adjusters, mediators and attorneys look at to evaluate just how badly you were injured.

It is therefore essential that you not miss any appointments. It is also essential that you be prepared for every appointment. Do not be shy about asking questions, making sure that all of your concerns are addressed, or making sure that what you tell the doctor makes its way into your medical records. If a doctor tells you to schedule a follow-up visit, do so. Be sure to make notes about how you are feeling on a daily basis so you can report these to the doctors.

It is very important that you be able to document all of your injuries - and attending all of your medical appointments, and being prepared for all of your appointments - is the best way to make sure that you have all the records you need to be fairly compensated for your injuries and damages.

Pete Clancy is an Oakland personal injury lawyer. He can be reached at 510-251-8868.