Medical professionals are a critical element in many personal injury cases. Because of the nature of the area of law, most plaintiffs are placing their health at issue and the testimony or report of any medical professional is essential to the resolution of the case. In many instances, more than one medical professional is needed to give a professional opinion about the status of the injured plaintiff.
Emergency Room Doctors/Nurses: When an injured party has suffered from a car accident or another severe personal injury this is typically the first medical professional that will be involved in the case. There may be several ER professionals on staff and they will document the status of the injured party with medical notes. Often, these records will be needed to verify the injury alleged.
Chiropractors: Chiropractors focus on the alignment of the body as a reason for a continuing source of pain or injury. Depending on the injury alleged, a chiropractor may be the best option for recovery. Chiropractors can also get licensed to perform physicals and many basic functions of family doctors.
Physical Therapists: Many doctors will suggest that injured patients see physical therapists if they have muscle injuries that need to be strengthened. Such therapists use machines and exercises to strengthen the muscles on a particular area of the body. Sometimes water therapy is needed and activities such as swimming are incorporated into the session. In many cases, therapists are affiliated with local hospitals so going to a session is as easy as going back to the hospital.
Family Doctors/Specialists: After the emergency room visit the ER will typically recommend following up with a family physician or refer to a specialist for further evaluation. Medical notes from these professionals will also be important for the final determination of the injury.
Healing Arts Practitioners: These professionals include acupuncturists, some massage therapists, reflexologists, hypnotists, Chinese medicine, yoga instructors, and natural holistic doctors. Seeking these professionals for injury care may raise some eyebrows in courtrooms. Some states, like Illinois for example, have included standards for assessing the medical value of such practitioners in actions for malpractice. In Illinois, such practitioners need additional verification and references before they will be allowed to provide any report or testimony about the condition of the injured party.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Do not rely on the above information as all cases are different and different laws apply to different cases. Consult an attorney in your area for further guidance. If you were injured in a situation and need a medical professional please call one of our attorneys at David K. Kremin & Associates, and we will give you a free consultation. We never charge unless we collect for you.