WILL MISSING MY DOCTORS’ APPOINTMENTS HURT MY PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

In normal circumstances, most attorneys will advise you to never miss a doctor’s appointment related to injuries sustained in an accident, on the job, or otherwise due to someone else’s negligence. This is because doing so could hurt your personal injury claim, as the defendant may point to missed doctors’ appointments as proof that you were not really injured or were not injured as severely as you claim to be.

However, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the United States, many people are fearful of going to see their doctors. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, primary care practices across the nation are experiencing a steep drop-off in the number of patients they typically see on a daily basis. This, in turn, has prompted some medical and dental practices to temporarily shut their doors; other practices, such as chiropractors and physical rehabilitative centers, face similar challenges. Even practices that are continuing operations are rescheduling or postponing non-critical appointments in order to help prevent the coronavirus from spreading.

Put simply: if you are currently receiving medical care for injuries you sustained in an accident, you could face a number of hurdles in continuing to receive treatment. However, because these are unprecedented times, missing an in-person doctor’s appointment may not necessarily affect your personal injury claim.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Many health care providers are turning to technology in order to continue treating patients that do not have critical and/or life-threatening conditions. If you are unable to visit your doctor or do not wish to go to your doctor’s physical office, it is a good idea to call the office and see if they are offering appointments by phone, video conferencing, or some other virtual method.

WHAT IF I FEEL ILL? 

Additionally, if you are feeling ill or believe you may have COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you call your doctor before going in to the office. Your doctor may be able to treat you via phone or telemedicine. If you cannot postpone your appointment or if it cannot be handled virtually, the CDC recommends that you still call your doctor to let them know you are feeling ill so that their staff can adequately prepare for your visit.

DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION WITH YOUR ATTORNEY

At Huffman & Huffman, we understand how stressful your situation already is; the current global health crisis may be creating additional challenges, but there are solutions. Our personal injury team can help you navigate this uncertain time and answer any questions you may have about your potential case or current claim. If you are concerned about getting proper medical treatment for your accident-related injuries, we encourage you to reach out to our firm to discuss your options with your attorney.

Our goal is to help ease as much stress for you as possible. There is nothing more important to us than your health, safety, and well-being.

Please reach out to us today to discuss your situation; contact us online or call (757) 599-6050.