In the aftermath of an accident, your physician may recommend physical therapy. Should this apply to your situation, the expenses associated with physical therapy can present a substantial financial hardship as you navigate the consequences of the accident, particularly if your injuries impede your ability to work. This blog explores how to seek reimbursement for physical therapy expenses after an accident in Florida and why it’s crucial to consult our determined Bradenton Personal Injury Lawyers.
Am I Required to Get Physical Therapy After an Accident?
While not every injury necessitates physical therapy, many common injuries resulting from an accident, such as those affecting the neck, back, shoulders, knees, and ankles, often benefit from some form of rehabilitation. Although not strictly mandatory, if a physician prescribes physical therapy, regular attendance and active participation in treatment sessions are highly advisable. Physical therapy can facilitate recovery and serve to substantiate the severity of your injury.
It’s important to understand that insurance companies are notorious for employing various tactics to minimize their payouts on personal injury claims, often attempting to deny claims outright or offer settlements significantly lower than a claim’s true value. This approach makes it vital for those with legitimate claims to diligently follow all prescribed medical treatments, especially physical therapy. Completing all physical therapy sessions as instructed is paramount. The insurance company will leverage any missed appointments to cast doubt on the extent of your injuries. This can significantly undermine your position and reduce the potential settlement amount.
Conversely, consistently attending and actively participating in your physical therapy sessions can contribute to your physical recovery, helping you regain strength, mobility, and enhance your overall well-being. It can also provide irrefutable evidence that you are taking your injuries seriously. This will make it much more difficult for an insurance adjuster to dispute the severity of your damages or the necessity of ongoing care.
How Do I Seek Compensation for This Expense After an Accident in FL?
If you require physical therapy following an accident in Florida, it’s crucial to understand your legal options. Generally, you can seek compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages address direct financial losses, encompassing expenses such as medical bills and lost wages. Physical therapy falls under economic damages.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, pertain to intangible losses that are often challenging to substantiate due to their subjective nature, including but not limited to pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. Physical therapy records can be invaluable to prove non-economic damages. While physician visits may occur every couple of weeks, physical therapy sessions are more frequent, typically occurring two to three times per week, depending on the severity of your injury. These records meticuously document a patient’s pain levels and functional limitations, thereby serving as crucial evidence in proving non-economic damages.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact an attorney at Becker & Lindauer, LLC.
