Never Miss a Doctor's Appointment

One of the key components of your personal injury case is the medical treatment you receive. Over the course of your recovery, you’ll more than likely visit the doctor several times and may even have physical therapy sessions multiple times each week.

The road to recovery can be long and tiresome, and you may be tempted at times to skip a doctor’s appointment or rehab session. We strongly advise you to never miss a doctor’s appointment—doing so could harm not only your health, but also your chances of getting compensation for your injuries.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Appointments

Here are 5 reasons why these appointments are so important:

1. Recovery Requires Diligence: First and foremost, you need to concentrate on recovering as quickly and completely as possible. That requires diligence on your part. We understand constant trips to check in with your doctor and receive treatment can wear on you, but they are necessary to get you back to 100%.
2. Consistency Is Important: In a personal injury case, it’s important to show consistency on your medical record. When we present your medical expenses to the insurance company or a jury (if your case goes to trial), we need to be able to point out that you never missed a doctor’s appointment or rehab session. That validates the extent of your injury and proves your commitment to getting better.
3. The Insurance Company Will Use It Against You: Just as we want to emphasize consistency in treatment, the insurance company is eager to point out any inconsistencies in your medical records. The insurance company can use any gaps in your treatment, such as a few missed appointments, to imply that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. Don’t give them that chance.
4. Detailed Documentation Supports Your Case: Keeping detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and progress reports is essential for your personal injury case. Detailed documentation not only helps track your recovery but also provides solid evidence of your ongoing medical needs and treatments, which can strengthen your claim.
5. Doctors Can Provide Notes and Testimony: Regular visits ensure that your doctor can provide up-to-date and accurate medical records, notes, and testimony if needed. Doctors can offer expert opinions on your injury’s severity and the necessity of ongoing treatment, bolstering your case against the insurance company.

How to Make the Most of Your Medical Appointments

You can contribute to your compensation claim in the following ways:

1. Prepare Questions in Advance: Speaking to your doctor can be overwhelming, to the point where your mind may go blank when the doctor asks you if you have any questions. Do what research you can ahead of time and know what questions you’ll need the answers to, such as “How soon can I return to work?” “Will I need physical therapy?” “Will there be long-term effects?” and so on, as applicable to your situation.
2. Bring a Support Person: Medical jargon is often confusing to understand and remember, especially if you are already stressed and in pain following an injury. Having someone with you to take notes and keep track of what you need to know about your medical condition can be extremely helpful. They can also provide important emotional support.
3. Keep a Medical Journal: Journaling about what medical appointments you attended and when, what you did and were told at each appointment, and your daily pain levels throughout your recovery can serve as important evidence for your claim.

Contact Cofman Townsley for Help Today

At Cofman Townsley, we’re here to help you through your recovery. If you must miss a doctor’s appointment or therapy session, contact your attorney beforehand. We may be able to help you make the appointment or reschedule in a timely manner so your health and injury claim aren’t impacted.

If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer to help you through your claim, contact us today for a free consultation.

Originally published January 5, 2016. Updated June 20, 2024.