Missing doctor’s appointments can hurt your injury claim for several reasons – primarily because your medical history is evidence of your injuries. If you don’t have a record to tie your injuries to someone else’s negligence, you might have difficulty seeking the compensation you deserve.
Unfortunately, insurance companies will often try to reduce or deny your claim wherever possible. You will need strong evidence of your injuries and the other party’s liability to pursue a successful case. We can help you understand how to gather this evidence and pursue every step of your case.
Understanding the Process of an Injury Claim
When you are injured, and file a personal injury claim with the insurance company, you essentially say that another party hurt you, and they should pay for it. The insurance company’s job is to do three things:
- Investigate whether you are right and the at-fault party should have to pay
- Defend the driver or other client
- Pay claims or judgments from the accident on behalf of their driver
Part of the process of an injury claim is determining whether you are hurt and, if so, how badly.
So, when you bring a case for compensation, you will need to submit relevant documentation to show:
- How the accident occurred
- How the accident harmed you
- What forms of damages resulted
Medical Appointments Are Evidence of Your Damages
Since you are claiming injuries, you will have to prove the extent of those injuries. This is where your medical records will prove invaluable. Your medical records can show evidence of:
- The connection between your injuries and the initial accident
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical care
- The extent of your pain and suffering
- Your prognosis and how long your injuries could affect you
- An impairment that limits your ability to work
Get All the Care Your Doctor Advises
If a doctor recommends any of the following forms of medical care, follow through with that care if you can. You might need:
- Prescription medication
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Check-ups
- Diagnostic testing
- Specialist visits
If you received prompt and immediate medical care after a car accident or another type of accident, this is a good start. This provides proof that:
- You were in an accident
- You were injured in that accident
- Your injuries were bad enough that a medical professional saw fit to treat you for those injuries
However, continue to get the advised care in the weeks and months following the accident.
Missing an Appointment Affects the Credibility of Your Claim
If you miss important medical appointments, an insurer may have grounds to challenge or deny your claim. They may argue that:
- You were not as injured as you claim.
- You made your own injuries worse by neglecting your care.
Of course, you might have many legitimate reasons why you could not attend certain appointments. However, attending to your doctors’ recommendations and getting the care you need is one of the most important things you can do for your injury case.
Your No-Fault Car Insurance May Not Cover Missed Appointments
Since New York is a no-fault state, your insurance policy should include benefits that pay regardless of fault or liability. These benefits will pay your medical bills after a car accident.
However, if you fail to make appointments, your insurance company could use this as grounds to deny your claim. This may leave you with unpaid bills.
So, both a liable party’s insurance company and your own insurance carrier can deny claims based on neglect of your medical treatment.
Get Medical Care for Your Injury Claim – and for Your Own Health
It is important to document your injuries for an injury claim. Getting all advised care is also crucial to preventing serious complications of your initial injury. Many types of injuries may seem mild or moderate at first but could lead to painful secondary injuries.
For instance:
- Untreated whiplash can go on to result in chronic pain, per Mayo Clinic.
- An untreated sprained ankle can result in chronic pain and even arthritis, per Mayo Clinic.
Many other injuries can worsen significantly if ignored. Get all the care you need to ensure your best chance of a full recovery.
What to do If You Miss a Doctor’s Appointment After a Personal Injury
If you have to miss a medical appointment, you should call your doctor and ask that they document why you could not be there. Then, you should reschedule the appointment right away.
If you’re working with an injury attorney from our team, we can recommend physicians in your area or on major public transportation lines, rather than across town. Working with your lawyer can help you avoid major mistakes from the start of your case. Our team will advocate for you to receive the best possible results.
Get a Free Case Review From Our Team to Get Your Questions Answered
When you are seriously injured in an auto accident or another type of accident, you could have many questions. In addition to wondering about how missing doctor’s appointments can affect your case, you may be wondering:
- How do I pay for the hospital bills?
- What if the other driver does not have insurance?
- Should I send the bills to my health insurance carrier?
You may also be concerned about how to pay for the costs of your medical care before you get your hands on a settlement check. As a trained EMT, our firm’s founder, Richard Jaffe, understands these kinds of questions. He can help you think through all of your options.
Your Settlement or Judgment Could Cover Your Accident-Related Losses
During your free call with our team, you can ask our representatives about the process of seeking compensation for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket costs for transportation, if you can’t use your vehicle
Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP for a Free Consultation
Our personal injury lawyers have the resources and experience to help you seek all the damages you may be entitled to. Having an injury attorney can help ensure that you’re taking all the most important steps necessary for a strong case. We can stand by your side through the whole process of a claim or lawsuit.
For a free consultation, contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP for your free consultation at (516) 358-6900.
