Why Do Some Doctors Refuse to Treat Victims with PI Claims?

Personal injuries can occur in a variety of situations, such as from a slip or fall, getting struck by or against an object, or due to a car accident. As a result, you could end up suffering serious and potentially debilitating conditions that prevent you from working while requiring ongoing care. This is why it is important to see a doctor after even a minor accident or personal injury. Unfortunately, many people are surprised to find that their regular doctor is unwilling to treat them. Often, this has to do with billing issues and their reluctance to get involved in legal disputes.

Getting Medical Care for Personal Injuries

Getting medical care after an accident resulting in personal injuries is a top priority, even if the accident was minor or you are not experiencing symptoms. There are many types of injuries that are not immediately apparent, yet could cause ongoing issues and permanent impairments further down the line. Unfortunately, you may find your regular family physician is hesitant to treat you after you have been involved in an accident. In many situations, there are three common reasons for this:

1. Concerns over billing procedures. Resolving liability in accident claims can take months or even years to resolve, whereas your doctor is likely to want immediate payment. In a car accident, for example, the Texas Department of Insurance requires drivers to maintain liability coverage in the event they are to blame for another driver’s injuries, yet doctor’s offices are often unwilling to file third party claims or document injuries according to insurance standards.
2. Concerns over testifying: In a personal injury claim, your doctor will be required to answer questions from the insurance company regarding your injuries. If you file a personal injury lawsuit, they will be required to issue statements and may be asked to testify in court as to your conditions. According to the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics, this takes them away from their own practice, while opening them to attacks on their credibility
3. Concerns over lawsuits: Finally, doctors are often unwilling to make the types of conclusive statements required to support your claim in court. If a doctor testifies on your behalf and their testimony is misleading or jeopardizes your case, the AMA warns they could be open to lawsuits.

It is often best to seek medical care from a physician who specializes in car accidents and other types of accidental injuries. Doing so can help to protect your health, as well as your rights in a claim.

Let Us Help You Today

At the Lovett Law Firm, we have been representing clients in El Paso, Las Cruces, NM, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. We understand the issues that arise in these cases, and provide the legal guidance you need to get the compensation you are entitled to. Call or contact our office online today and request a free consultation to see how we can assist you.