When pursuing compensation after an accident – either as the injured party or a personal injury attorney representing the injured party – you can expect the liable party to challenge everything you say. If you want to confidently go after the largest and fairest amount of compensation, your case will need some backbone to stand up to the opposition’s scrutiny and tactics.
Oftentimes, the best way to put some backbone into an injury claim – like those related to car accidents, slip and fall accidents, etc. – is through the use of medical documentation and testimonies that substantiate the severity and validity of the injuries in question. Chiropractors, although commonly associated with back injuries, also specialize in the treatment of a wide range of orthopedic injuries (anything related to the body’s bones, muscles, and soft tissues). As such, chiropractors can offer valuable insights into the patient’s past, present, and future condition in nearly any personal injury case. A detailed record and expert testimony of a chiropractor may be just what your case needs to establish the extent of the injury and how much compensation would be needed to allow them to recover as much as possible from it.
Documenting the Injury & Its Progression
Chiropractors can conduct an initial injury assessment by performing a thorough physical examination, reviewing the patient's medical history and any prior examinations from a primary care physician, and using diagnostic tools like X-rays or MRIs to identify the extent and nature of the injury. This initial assessment sets the baseline for treatment and acts as the first point in what should be a detailed medical record of the injury and its progression with time and treatment.
To document and track an orthopedic injury’s progression, a chiropractor may use:
- Regular adjustments and treatments: Chiropractors can provide ongoing treatments such as spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and other manual therapies, documenting each session to track the patient's response to treatment.
- Pain and mobility assessments: Regular evaluations of pain levels and range of motion help determine the effectiveness of the treatments and highlight any improvements or setbacks.
- Progress reports: Detailed progress reports that include observations, patient feedback, and clinical findings can be used to monitor healing and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
- Comparative imaging: Periodic imaging studies, like follow-up X-rays or MRIs, can visually document changes in the injury over time, providing concrete evidence of recovery or complications.
Differentiating Among Injury Types
A chiropractor can differentiate among different types of injury severities by leveraging their expertise in musculoskeletal conditions and using a combination of physical examinations, patient history, and diagnostic tools to assess the impact of an injury. They are skilled at describing their findings in clear, concise, and easily understood ways, making them accessible to judges, juries, and even defense attorneys, helping them grasp the medical nuances that influence the case outcome.
A chiropractor’s input can help anyone involved in an injury claim understand the differences among:
- Minor injuries: Chiropractors identify minor injuries through localized pain, limited impairment, and quick response to initial treatments, often supported by minimal imaging changes and short-term recovery projections.
- Pre-existing injuries: Defense attorneys love to argue that the plaintiff’s injuries are pre-existing, even when they are not. A chiropractor can prove that a plaintiff’s injuries were caused by an accident better than a lawyer can. They differentiate pre-existing injuries by comparing current symptoms with past medical records and identifying chronic conditions or old injuries that might have been aggravated by the recent incident—or the lack of any signs that the injury was pre-existing.
- Debilitating injuries: Debilitating injuries are characterized by severe pain, significant functional limitations, and poor response to treatment. Chiropractors can use comprehensive diagnostics, including advanced imaging and thorough physical evaluations, to document long-term impact, reduced quality of life, and potential for permanent disability.
Establishing Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) refers to the stage in a patient's recovery where their condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further with additional medical treatment and time for rest. MMI is important in a personal injury claim or lawsuit because it is the point at which the full extent of the injuries and any lasting disabilities can be accurately assessed. Chiropractors can determine an injured client's MMI by conducting detailed assessments, documenting progress throughout treatment, and often working collaboratively with other medical providers to reach a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's health.
Reaching MMI has major implications on the value of a personal injury claim because it allows for a clear understanding of the long-term impact of the injuries, including any permanent disabilities, ongoing medical needs, and complications that can interfere with gainful employment. To negotiate a settlement amount or fight in court for an award, an attorney will need to know what their client’s MMI looks like. A chiropractor can provide critical medical evidence and deliver expert testimony to explain why a specific settlement or award amount is justified based on what the plaintiff has gone through and will likely have to deal with in the years to come.
Professional Chiropractors for Injury Care & Legal Support
Patients and personal injury attorneys in Jacksonville, Florida, can turn to Amazing Spine Care to work with chiropractic professionals who are highly familiar with personal injury claim processes. Our team of chiropractors and other specialists has extensive experience in treating serious injuries caused by accidents, especially when considering accidents that lead to legal action later. With a thorough understanding of how our work ties into personal injury claims, we are always ready to provide detailed medical documentation, progress reports, and even expert testimonies that can help clearly explain the extent of a client’s injuries, allowing their attorney to enter settlement negotiations on a stronger foundation.
Whether you are a personal injury attorney in Jacksonville, Florida, or an injured plaintiff who wants to prepare their case as thoroughly as possible, Amazing Spine Care is standing by to help. Call (904) 320-0808 or contact us online now for more information.