When recovering from a car accident, physical therapy often plays a vital role in both your physical healing and the outcome of your personal injury settlement. At the Adley Law Firm in Houston, TX, we understand how every step of your recovery process impacts your legal claim. Here’s how physical therapy can influence the value of your settlement and why it’s a crucial factor in securing the compensation you deserve.
How Physical Therapy Affects Your Settlement
Yes, physical therapy can significantly increase your settlement amount. It does so by providing:
- Documented Evidence of Severity: Physical therapy records establish the extent of your injuries, showing that they were serious enough to require ongoing rehabilitation. This documented evidence makes it harder for insurance companies to downplay your claim.
- Proof of Commitment to Recovery: Attending physical therapy demonstrates that you are actively working to recover. This effort reflects positively on your claim, showing the seriousness of your injuries and your dedication to rehabilitation.
- Long-Term Impact Assessment: Physical therapy helps highlight any long-term or permanent limitations caused by your injuries. These insights can influence compensation for future medical needs, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Why Insurance Companies Pay More When Physical Therapy Is Involved
Insurance companies often increase settlement offers when physical therapy is part of the recovery process because:
- Ongoing Costs: Physical therapy is an expensive and necessary medical treatment. Insurers recognize that these costs must be included in any fair settlement.
- Clear Evidence of Damages: Progress notes, discharge summaries, and before-and-after comparisons provide strong evidence of injury-related limitations and recovery progress.
- Demonstration of Serious Injuries: A comprehensive physical therapy record helps dispel claims that injuries were minor or preexisting.
Types of Injuries That Benefit From Physical Therapy
Some injuries commonly treated with physical therapy include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Manual therapy, stretching, and posture correction can alleviate pain and restore mobility.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Therapy aids in rebuilding strength, improving mobility, and maximizing independence.
- Soft Tissue and Joint Injuries: Physical therapy helps reduce pain, restore range of motion, and rebuild strength in injured muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Therapy can address balance, coordination, and cognitive challenges.
How to Maximize Your Settlement With Physical Therapy
- Follow Your Treatment Plan: Attend all therapy sessions as prescribed to show a consistent commitment to recovery.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your therapy appointments, progress reports, and any associated expenses.
- Communicate With Your Attorney: Regular updates on your recovery help your lawyer build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Potential Challenges With Physical Therapy in a Claim
Failure to attend physical therapy as recommended can harm your settlement. Insurers may argue that missed appointments or incomplete treatment indicate that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. To avoid these challenges:
- Adhere to your prescribed treatment schedule.
- Notify your attorney of any barriers to attending therapy, such as financial issues or scheduling conflicts.
Why Choose the Adley Law Firm?
At the Adley Law Firm, we specialize in helping car accident victims navigate the complexities of personal injury claims. We know how to leverage physical therapy records to strengthen your case and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. With years of experience and a client-first approach, we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’ve undergone physical therapy after a car accident and want to know how it can impact your settlement, call the Adley Law Firm today. Our experienced team in Houston will guide you every step of the way. Call us today schedule your free consultation. Let us help you turn your recovery into a stronger claim.
