Tragic events occur in everyone’s life. Since the 1980’s, the insurance industry has drastically changed the way people can use legal means to receive compensation for personal damages. To navigate this delicate path, one needs to make a clear plan of attack and the use of medical testimony can drastically improve the chance of success in a personal injury lawsuit.
Though fiscal gains can alleviate the financial burden associated with injury, the most important aspect for any injured individual is recovery. Much like winning a lawsuit, physical or mental recovery is facilitated by a clear plan. The best way to ensure attainable recovery is to visit a doctor immediately after the injury occurs, including following professional instructions and recommendations as given. Further, the biggest mistake individuals make is not seeking help contemporaneous to the accident, or immediately thereafter. Far too often, victims of personal injury ignore their pain and suffering, which needs to be addressed to your legal representative and your doctor. Additionally, claimants must always be aware of the statute of limitations revolving around the event. Typically in California, the statue of limitations for personal injury actions is two years from the date of the injury.
The traditional personal injury claimant should seek the medical opinion of two or three professionals after any serious accident. These include an internal medicine doctor, an orthopedist (depending on injuries sustained) and a physical therapist or chiropractor. Not only will these individuals help you recover from the pain you are suffering from, but will also help build your case for an attorney to better represent the matter. Further, most medical professionals will provide treatment under a medical lien; a medical lien allows and ensures doctors, therapists, and all other healthcare providers who provide treatment to receive compensation for their work through the settlement of the eventual lawsuit. These tactics are legal encumbrances upon the case to secure the payment of a debt owed. More importantly, this understanding of the personal injury world allows patients that are sent to doctors by attorneys aware of the conjunction attorneys and medical professional must work in. Beyond the legal opportunities, obtaining pain-free status should be the key goal for any individual with a personal injury claim.
-Kevin Lipton, ESQ
Managing Partner – Lipton Legal Group, A PC – Beverly Hills, CA