If you or a loved one has recently been involved in an accident, such as a truck accident or car accident, it is important that you seek a medical evaluation as soon as you can. Whether you were treated at an emergency room or not, it is always recommended that you get a full evaluation from a medical professional, or a follow up evaluation.
Visiting a doctor is important to your health, as there can be a lot of things you don’t notice in the chaos and frenzy immediately following an accident. Some injuries or pain may also not present themselves until some time has passed. A doctor can conduct tests and exams, help identify any underlying injury, condition, or medical issue, refer you to specialists, or begin the treatment you need. Seeking a timely medical evaluation can also prove beneficial should you choose to file a personal injury claim.
At Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco, our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers believe that the health of our clients is the most important element of a case. We want to ensure our clients receive the treatment they need in order to fully recover, or to recover as much as they can. While we are available to help victims and families from the very moment an accident occurs and ensure they see a medical professional, we know that not everyone calls a lawyer immediately following an accident. This is why we want to stress the importance of seeing a doctor and provide some tips on what you can ask:
- What can I expect of recovery? – When you visit a doctor and explain all that happened in your accident, they can begin the process of diagnosing any injuries or conditions you may have using various tools, including x-rays, MRIs, and more. With this information, doctors will often be able to tell you about your injuries. When they do so, it is a good idea to ask about your prognosis, or the doctor’s medical opinion about the nature of your injuries, how they will impact you in the short- and long-term, how long they may be expected to last, and if you will be able to make a full recovery. These questions are all important during your initial visits, as they will provide you with a better understanding of what to expect during your recovery.
- What treatment do they recommend? – Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may or may not have options for treatment. This is particularly true in more severe cases in which surgical intervention is required. In many other cases, however, a doctor can discuss any recommended treatment they feel will best help you recover, including pain management, medication, physical therapy, or chiropractic care, among others. You can ask your doctor about other treatment options or about what treatment they would recommend should more conservative approaches not work, including more invasive medical care.
- Can I work? – By discussing your injuries and symptoms with your doctor, they will have a better idea of how they are affecting you and your ability to work. Many people return to their jobs too soon following an accident, which is why it is important to ask a doctor for their opinion. They may tell you that rest is the most important thing, or may recommend treatment such as surgery that will require a longer recovery. In these situations, a doctor can provide a note or documentation for your employer as to why you should not work.
Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco has been fighting for injured victims and families across Pennsylvania since 1978. During that time, we have cultivated a reputation for placing the wellbeing and best interests of our clients above all else, and for recovering millions of dollars in compensation on their behalves. If you have questions about your rights after an accident and how our firm may be able to help, contact us today for a free consultation.
