Can Skipping Medical Appointments Hurt My Injury Case?

doctor and patient talking

For many, going to the doctor can seem like a chore, especially for adults who lead generally healthy lives. As such, many people skip their annual check-ups, only seeing their provider when they feel ill. However, if you are injured in an accident because of another party’s negligence, going to the doctor is one of the most important things you can do to fight for the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured, the following blog explores the importance of attending all medical appointments and the additional steps you can take to help your case under the guidance of an Ouachita Parish, Louisiana personal injury attorney.

Will Skipping Medical Appointments Impact My Case?

When you sustain an injury due to the negligent actions of another person, ensuring you seek medical care immediately after the accident is important. This generally serves as a way not only to ensure you receive the care you need, but it also helps to establish immediate medical care. However, going to the doctor once or twice following a serious injury is generally not enough – you need to continue with your follow-up care.

If you fail to continue seeing your provider after your initial visit, it can hurt your claim for compensation. This is because the defense can claim the injuries you’ve endured must not be as serious as you’ve claimed, since you do not need to continue medical care. Not only can this impact your credibility, but it can also reduce the compensation you are entitled to. In some instances, the defense can even say that your failure to continue with medical care worsened your injuries, making you ultimately responsible for the damages you’ve endured. As such, ensuring you adhere to all medical advice, including follow-up appointments, is critical in the fight for the justice you deserve.

What Else Can I Do to Help My Case?

In addition to following up with your provider, you’ll find that there are additional steps you can take to help fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

Next, you should attempt to gather as much evidence as possible regarding your injury. This includes photos and videos taken at the scene, witness statements, medical reports, and even security footage if possible.

However, the most important thing you can do when you are injured due to the negligent actions of another person is to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney. Not only can your lawyer help you navigate the difficult process of filing a claim, but they can also fight for the justice you deserve when the negligent party’s insurance will likely do everything possible to reduce the value of your claim.

When you are involved in an accident, the team at Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC is ready to fight for you. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate a personal injury claim while healing from the injuries you’ve suffered, which is why our team is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you and your circumstances. When you need help, our team is here. Contact us today to learn more.

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