Personal Injury Lawyer: Talking To Your Doctor

There are two important steps in getting compensation for an injury you suffered as the result of someone else's negligence. The first step is finding a good personal injury lawyer who can handle your case. You should look for someone with tenacity and experience, as well as an excellent reputation in their field. The second step is to learn how to talk to your doctor. Few witnesses will be as valuable to your case as your doctor. After all, it is your medical bills and injuries that will comprise the bulk of your damages. Without that testimony, you are unlikely to get much of a settlement. Here are some tips on talking to your doctor.

Be Adequately Prepared

When you make your first doctor's appointment, make sure you have your medical records from your ER examination. If the doctor works closely in conjunction with the local hospital, it may be easier for him to simply request the records directly. At any rate, don't keep it in the dark as to why you are making the appointment. The more the physician knows ahead of time, the easier time he will have getting prepared for the appointment. You may wish to mention that you have hired a personal injury lawyer when you go in for your appointment. That will get it out in the open right away and let the doctor know how his expertise may be used in the future.

Be Thorough

Doctors will seldom diagnose issues for which they have no symptoms. And they get these symptoms from the patient themselves. This is where a lot of people make a mistake, both with their doctor and their personal injury lawyer. They somehow feel it is unfair that they explain every little detail of their problems. That is should somehow be obvious what the problem is. But it isn't. You have to be your own advocate here. If your neck is in pain, mention it. If you are having spells of dizziness, mention it. Honest and thorough communication will ensure you get the right care.

Keep Detailed Records

You want your personal injury lawyer and yourself to have the same access to your records that the opposing insurance company will have. Don't wait until they find holes in your story. If there are mitigating issues (prior medical records that indicate a problem you are claiming came from this accident is a common point of contention), you need to address them and come up with an explanation. You can work with your doctor on these points, but keep in mind that he isn't going to lie for you. That's why you should never attempt to exaggerate or fabricate your claims.