What you tell your doctor and how it is written in your medical records is very important.
Some examples will help you understand why.
You are hit from behind in an auto collision and taken via ambulance to the hospital. You hurt your back, neck and shoulder.
You tell the doctor about the back and neck and shoulder; then treat for the neck and back without mentioning the shoulder again until 3 months later when you tell the doctor about the shoulder.
The insurance company will try very hard deny your shoulder treatment because you mentioned it initially and failed to follow up until 3 months later.
Lesson learned: Tell the doctor at each visit about all your conditions and seek treatment for them.
You describe your accident to the doctor as being hit with a metal rod. You fail to describe that the rod smashed your hand against a hard object.
The doctor testifies that the smashing aspect of your injury is what caused the most damage to your hand.
The insurance company will use your words against you. “You did not mention the rod smashing your hand against the hard object at the time you spoke with the doctor. You are making this up now to profit from the case”.
Lesson learned: Explain your accident in detail to the doctor so they cannot twist your words later.
Questions about how to make sure that your case will have its highest value? Feel free to contact Illinois personal injury and work injury Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.