When you have been injured due to an accident, consequences can extend far past the initial incident. You can have physical concerns, including pain, as well as financial concerns. Even beyond that, you can have emotional concerns such as posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or even depression. Injuries due to accidents are unexpected, scary, and can be devastating in the short or long term.

Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, for work time lost, and for changes in your lifestyle due to an injury caused by another party. Unfortunately, many people injured in an accident do not always get the medical attention they need initially after the incident. This lack of treatment, whether at point of the accident or during follow up care, can lead to decreased settlements.

If you have been injured due to an accident, vehicle crash, or due to the negligence of another party, here’s what you need to know about seeking treatment.

Seeking Treatment After the Incident

After an accident, such as a car crash, first responders rush onto the scene. However, people involved with the accident can often decline treatment at the scene. There are a few reasons for this: one is the endorphins put out in the body during a traumatic event can mask pain, making the injured party unable to feel the extent of their injury. Another potential reason for declining treatment at the scene could be embarrassment or feeling like an imposition.

At O’Brien Law, we counsel accident victims to seek medical treatment immediately after the incident either at an emergency room or at a primary care medical office. Far too often, victims don’t feel the extent of their injuries until days later. However, when you seek treatment immediately after an accident, you are able to get an evaluation and follow up recommendations.

Continuing Treatment

Just as important as an initial evaluation is continuing with ongoing treatment recommendations. While it can seem frustrating to make it to every doctor appointment, scan, and therapy visit, it is crucial to your ongoing recovery. Further, skipping appointments may jeopardize your insurance claim or case.

If you have been injured, don’t attempt to navigate the road on your own. For decades, the team at O’Brien Law has advocated for clients just like you. We would love to work with you to help reach a favorable outcome. Contact us today to tell us more about your situation.