The Role Of Medical Experts In Personal Injury Cases

Medical experts can play a critical role in personal injury claims in numerous ways. Medical experts are able to establish direct links between an accident and the injuries sustained, which can assist in you receiving the appropriate compensation. They analyze medical records, provide expert testimony on the severity or permanence of the injuries, and project future medical needs. Their knowledge transforms medical data into understandable evidence for judges, juries, and insurance adjusters and can be used by your legal team to obtain a desirable settlement amount. Below, our colleagues at Johnson & Alday, LLC explain the role of medical experts in personal injury cases.

Establishing Connection

They connect the accident to the injuries (“causation”) and provide solid proof that the incident caused the harm and the injury you are seeking medical treatment for. Sometimes, the defense may argue that previous injuries were at play when it came to the outcome of the accident, but a physician can prove how much of your injury was sustained due to the motor vehicle collision.

Evaluating Injuries

Medical experts, such as orthopedists, neurosurgeons, and even psychologists, asses the extent, severity, and prognosis of the injuries. This is utilized heavily when your legal team is analyzing what they want to request when it comes to the pain and suffering aspect of your settlement.

Quantifying Damages

Medical experts can determine the cost of past, present, and future medical treatments, rehabilitation, and if long term care is needed due to the injury sustained. Unfortunately, lasting medical conditions can happen after a motor vehicle collision, and you deserve to be compensated appropriately if you require long term medical care or regular medical upkeep from your injuries. A medical professional would be the party that helps determine the demand your personal injury lawyer will send to the insurer.

Providing Expert Testimony

In the case you are asked or required to prove the extent of your injuries, a medical professional (especially one that has treated you for said injuries) can offer credible, objective, and detailed explanations of the injuries and how they were sustained during collision. They can explain and clarify the treatments you have received or will need to in the future and can answer any clarifying questions during trial or deposition.

Countering Defense Claims

Medical experts can refute claims that are unfortunately often made by insurance companies and defense counsels that the injuries sustained in the collision were preexisting or exaggerated. Your medical provider has objective and unbiased information about your medical condition, providing previous medical records and the treatment you have been receiving since the incident and even before.

Medical professionals are there to help you and provide as much information as they possibly can to strengthen your claim. They will be able to support your claims that your condition was due to or worsened because of the incident based on the existing documentation of your condition and treatment. Make sure to ask your medical provider any questions you may have about your treatment or condition and be sure to document everything you can and keep a record.