If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident, the injuries you sustained may be severe. Head, neck, and spinal injuries are common, and could worsen over time. Physical therapy is one suggestion that physicians make for recovery after an accident. Unfortunately, if you do undergo physical therapy, insurance companies may try to use that fact against you. That’s why you need an experienced Georgia accident attorney on your side.
The nature and degree of accident injuries will vary from one patient to another. These are some common examples of where physical therapy may help:
Neurological. In serious cases, an accident can cause a victim to lose basic cognitive functions. These include the ability to perform mundane daily activities we all take for granted, such as dressing ourselves. Physical therapy can help accident victims relearn simple life skills.
Spinal cord. These types of injuries are common with car accidents. Physical therapy can help relieve pain and prevent muscles from breaking down or weakening.
Bones, joints, and ligaments. You may need exercises to build strength and improve flexibility in these areas. Your physical therapist will know the kinds of exercises which will help with these and other injuries.
Physical therapy may be a viable alternative to surgery and medication with relatively quick recovery after an accident and fewer side effects. It can also be cost-effective. You will want to speak to your physician about the options available to you. If your doctor suggests physical therapy, then you should consider some of these questions in choosing a therapist:
- How long has the therapist been practicing? Most patients want to know that their healthcare professionals have a reasonable amount of experience. More experience doesn’t guarantee better results, but it makes the therapist more likely to understand your particular needs.
- Does the therapist have experience treating your condition? Every injury is different, and therefore, so is every plan for physical therapy. Discuss your exact conditions with the therapist and ask whether he or she has treated them before.
- How will the therapy be conducted? Every physical therapist has his or her own approach to treatment. Some use their hands and others use instruments. You may prefer one or the other, so ask which methods your potential therapist uses.
Although physical therapy can have incredible results for accident victims, insurance companies may view your treatment with a skeptical eye. A personal injury settlement can cover the costs of physical therapy. The settlement may also cover anticipated future costs. It may take a fight to win these damages. In attempting to reduce payouts, an insurance company may contend you didn’t need as much physical therapy as you received. Or it may even argue you didn’t need it at all. Having experienced legal representation is therefore critical to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Keep thorough and accurate records related to your physical therapy so you can seek reimbursement later. This includes copies of bills and invoices, as well as medical reports and doctor notes. Make notes of any locations you visit for your therapy. If you receive advance payments from insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, they may later ask for reimbursement from your settlement funds.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR, AND YOUR LAWYER, ABOUT PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR RECOVERY AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, make sure you follow all doctor recommendations. Physical therapy is not for everyone. In many cases, more traditional methods will better move you along the path to recovery after an accident. If your healthcare provider suggests physical therapy, you should seek compensation for your expenses. At Schneider Hammers, we’re committed to ensuring automobile accident victims receive the treatment and compensation they need and deserve. Contact us today.
