Some time has passed since you were injured. Your doctor recommended treatment, procedures and medication, and you followed his advice. He or she also prescribed physical therapy, and you gave it a shot. However, the sessions are hard and uncomfortable, and they’re also a big time commitment. You’re not sure if they are even helping and you’re thinking about taking some time off.
That’s just what the insurance company is hoping you’ll do because skipping physical therapy could damage your claim. Read this article before you call to cancel.
Skipping PT Could Be Used Against You
A personal injury claim involves proving someone had a duty of care, he or she didn’t act as a reasonable person would, their action or inaction led to an accident, and your injury was a direct result. The amount of compensation you receive is connected to what you suffered.
If your doctor provides treatment, then recommends a set number of physical therapy sessions and you don’t follow through, the insurance company you’re asking for compensation could argue you weren’t hurt as badly as you say. They might say you quit going to PT because you healed faster than expected or maybe even faked your injury in the first place. It’s infuriating to even think someone would make that type of accusation, but it happens.
Following Through Supports Your Claim
Over and over we hear people say they don’t want to keep going to physical therapy because they don’t believe it’s helping. Whether it is or not, it isn’t a waste of time.
If you go to all the recommended sessions and you do get better, you benefit because your health improves and you have documentation of what you had to go through to heal. If you do what your doctor says and still have injury and pain, your injury might be even more serious or long-term than originally thought, and you might be able to ask for additional compensation. Either way, following through supports your claim.
Getting the Most From Treatment
Physical therapy can help you heal faster, restore strength and movement, and improve your mental health. It can also prevent further injury because exercise strengthens the muscles that support your injured area. You stay in frequent contact with a professional trained to evaluate and treat injuries like the ones you received. Get the greatest possible benefit from physical therapy when you do these things:
- Be open and honest with your therapist. Don’t try to be tough. Give him or her an accurate evaluation of your pain tolerance and progress. Let them know if what they’re asking you to do seems to make things worse or feels too difficult, or if you think they’re not challenging you enough.
- Keep every single appointment. If you get sick, reschedule. Don’t skip just because you don’t feel like going.
- Give 100 percent. Set goals for your treatment and focus on those when you want to give up.
Find Out What Your Injury Might Be Worth
You don’t have to wait until you’re completely through with treatment to talk with an attorney about what happened to you and receive advice on how to proceed. In fact, it’s better to talk with a personal injury attorney sooner rather than later. Schedule a free consultation with Monsour Law Firm by calling (903)999-9999 or reach out online today.
