Victims should consider several factors before deciding to switch doctors after sustaining car accident injuries. While you have every right to seek medical care that fits your needs, changing healthcare providers can unexpectedly impact your case.
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If you are unsure how switching doctors can impact your car crash claim, seek legal help from a trusted South Bend car accident attorney. They can help you understand your legal options and determine if you have a valid case.
At Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak, we are here to answer any questions about the legal process. Our attorneys have years of experience helping our clients get the claims they need for injuries and other related damages.
Call today for a free consultation: (574) 444-0741.
Why Would Victims Switch Doctors During a Personal Injury Case?
Injury victims in South Bend often consider switching doctors for several significant reasons. The most common situations that lead to this decision are:
Lack of Improvement
Some car crash victims naturally question their treatment plan when injuries fail to heal as expected. If victims find their pain persists or worsens despite following their doctor’s instructions, they will likely see another doctor. Others may feel their recovery has plateaued without reaching the level of function they need for daily activities or work.
Communication Problems
Poor communication with medical providers often drives car crash victims to seek new care. Some doctors rush through appointments without addressing all concerns. This can make patients feel like their doctor is not listening to them.
Other communication issues victims may face with their doctors are:
- Failing to explain treatment options clearly
- Dismissing ongoing symptoms or complications
- Taking days to return urgent calls about treatment
- Unwilling to answer questions about recovery
Distance and Scheduling Challenges
Practical concerns can make continuing with a current doctor difficult:
- Office locations become too far to manage with injuries
- Appointment availability conflicts with work schedules
- Wait times for follow-up care grow excessive
- Transportation issues affect access to care
- Family obligations conflict with treatment times
When Should I Seek a Second Opinion?
It is a good idea to seek a second opinion before switching doctors. Depending on these circumstances, you may want to seek a second opinion.
- Serious diagnosis concerns
- Recommended surgery
- Treatment plan questions
Should I Switch Doctors While Pursuing Compensation?
The decision to switch doctors during your personal injury case requires careful consideration. Evaluate these factors before making this vital choice.
Consult Your Attorney First
Before changing medical providers, discuss your concerns with your personal injury lawyer. They can review how a switch might affect your case and advise on the necessary documentation. In the middle of transitioning to another doctor, losing key medical evidence that can strengthen your case is possible. An attorney can ensure that you continue to track crucial medical evidence.
Document Your Reasons
If you decide to switch doctors, clearly document why. The insurance company could attempt to deny or lower your claim if you do not have the proper documents to explain why you are switching doctors.
Be sure to document the following:
- Record specific issues with current treatment
- Keep notes about unaddressed concerns
- Save communication attempts with a current provider
- List ways current care falls short
- Maintain a timeline of treatment problems
Consider the Timing
Before you switch doctors, consider the timing. If you notice that your doctor is not a good fit early on, make the transition to seeing another doctor. Early changes raise fewer questions. If you do decide to transition mid-treatment, you will need solid justification.
You may face more scrutiny for last-minute changes. Also, multiple switches could hurt your credibility with the insurance company. Keep in mind that timing could impact medical record consistency.
Protect Your Medical Records
Proper handling of medical records is vital before switching to another doctor. To protect your medical records, you need to take the following actions.
- Request complete copies before switching
- Ensure your new doctor receives the entire history of your medical records
- Maintain consistent symptom reporting
- Keep a detailed treatment timeline
- Preserve all test results and imaging
Follow Proper Procedures
Taking the proper steps can ensure you have the correct medical records to help your case and get treatment.
When switching doctors, victims need to:
- Inform current doctor of transfer plans
- Complete release forms of medical records
- Schedule a prompt appointment with a new provider
- Continue following the prescribed treatment until the switch
- Avoid gaps in medical care
What Type of Medical Evidence Do I Need to Justify Changing Doctors?
Keeping track of your medical records is key evidence you need in your case. Although you may decide to change doctors, it is still you and your attorney’s responsibility to provide proof that links your injuries to the car crash.
If you decide to change doctors while pursuing a claim, you must have evidence of why you are making that decision. For example, evidence of unanswered calls, messages or delayed appointment scheduling could be used to show that your doctor was not the best option for you to recover from your injuries.
Other types of medical evidence that can explain why you chose to switch doctor may include:
- Written complaints about care
- Request for treatment changes
- Treatment plans and modifications
- Prescribed medications and results
- Physical therapy progress notes
- Test results and imaging reports
- Ongoing symptoms and complaints
Call Pfeifer Morgan Stesiak for Legal Help After a Personal Injury
If you decide that changing doctors will benefit your recovery, it is best to consider all factors and options. This decision takes considering your health and your legal rights.
After a car crash, it is normal for victims to have lots of questions about the following steps to take in the legal process. At Pfeifer, Morgan and Stesiak, we are here to help you throughout the process. Call to schedule a free consultation without any upfront costs. If we decide you have a case, we will not charge you anything for our legal services unless we win.
Call today to speak to an attorney: (574) 444-0741.
