No one plans for a personal injury. If you become the victim of one, however, you can take certain steps to improve your future. One of the most important actions to take is to file a personal injury claim if you did not cause your accident. An injury claim in Kansas City could lead to reimbursement of your medical expenses, lost earnings and property damage repairs. When someone else’s negligence causes an injury, one of the best things you can do to help your claim is to see a chiropractor.
What Type of Chiropractor Should You See?
Your medical treatment after an injury is one of the main factors of a damage award. Special medial damages – past and future health care costs – can make up most of your reimbursement award. This might include doctor’s appointments, travel expenses, surgeries, therapies, rehabilitation, medications, live-in nursing, disability costs, prosthetics and more. It is important to see a doctor or another health care provider you feel comfortable with, who you believe will help you recover, after an accident.
Chiropractors are specialists who focus on musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. They treat symptoms, complaints and personal injuries, focusing mainly on pain in the back, neck and joints. Chiropractors use hands-on care rather than prescribing medications or surgeries. They use rehabilitative and therapeutic processes to help patients heal, as well as make recommendations through lifestyle counseling.
After an accident injures you, find a chiropractor that focuses on personal injury treatments. A chiropractor could help you recover from your injury, especially if it is causing you substantial pain or restricting your ability to move. See a chiropractor regularly and document your visits. Keep track of all bills, health insurance contributions, payments and deductibles related to your injury. Stick to a treatment plan exactly, if your chiropractor gives you one.
Chiropractor vs. Doctor
An insurance company may value a physician over a chiropractor during your injury claim. Most insurance claims adjusters believe different medical services have different values in personal injury claims. In general, insurance adjusters value physicians, hospitals and medical clinics more than chiropractors and acupuncturists. Most claims adjusters will not question the validity of your bills from doctors or hospitals. They may, however, require evidence related to chiropractic care.
If you choose to see a chiropractor for your personal injury, keep careful track of your experience. Document why you believe seeing the chiropractor was necessary, such as a referral from your primary care doctor or a disability that has improved thanks to chiropractic care. The insurance company may try to underestimate the value of your chiropractic treatments. Use a Kansas City personal injury attorney to help combat these tactics. A lawyer will have the negotiating experience to argue for a higher settlement award based on the legitimacy of your medical treatments.
How Seeing a Chiropractor Can Affect Your Claim
The duration of your treatment will affect your personal injury claim. The longer you need to see a chiropractor, the more your claim could be worth. Longer periods of medical treatment cost more money. They also show an insurance company how long it took you to heal from your injuries, potentially increasing a pain and suffering award. Logging all information about your injuries, treatment, chiropractor visits, health insurance claims and money spent can help you build a strong case for damages in Kansas City.
Seeing a chiropractor could also lead to a faster settlement. A chiropractor can assess your injuries and let you know the best course of action for immediate treatment. The chiropractor may tell you he or she can help you, or else refer you to another type of medical professional. Seeking advice from your chiropractor right after an accident can improve your chances of making a full physical recovery. Prompt care from your chiropractor can also show an insurance company you did all you could to recover, including seeking medical attention right away.