Although we are here to help those who have been injured in an accident, we are lawyers, not doctors. Clients will sometimes ask me what course of treatment they should choose for their injuries. As attorneys, we cannot and will not advise a client in regards to the necessity or reasonableness of any medical treatment. Our job includes making sure the client’s medical bills are promptly submitted to the insurance carrier for payment and keeping in constant contact with a client’s doctors and health care providers when necessary for their case. However, all medical decisions regarding a client’s treatment are the decision of the client alone, after consulting with his or her treating doctor.  

When a client is discharged from a doctor’s care, we will then obtain all medical records and in most cases, will ask the doctor for what we call a narrative report. This report sets forth the nature and extent of all injuries which are related to a particular accident or incident. We also ask the doctors to give us their best prognosis for the client. Meaning: what the client can expect going forward; are the injuries permanent or temporary; will things such as the weather or certain activities affect the client, etc.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, keep in mind that you and your doctors are the best resources for treating your injuries. Don’t let family, friends, insurance carriers or anyone else tell you how to recover from an accident.