Can I Switch Doctors while Pursuing a Personal Injury Case?
Individuals who pursue personal injury claims may want to switch doctors if they feel their healthcare provider is not sufficiently treating their injuries. However, this can be damaging to their case. Especially in the event that the new healthcare provider uses the same approach as the previous doctor, the insurance company may deem the treatment as unnecessary and refuse to cover it.
Alternatively, if someone suffers a permanent injury, more treatments may not be beneficial. It is therefore in your best interests, if you’re pursuing a civil lawsuit, to consult with a personal injury lawyer at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy before switching doctors due to dissatisfaction with your current medical treatment.
If you choose to move forward with switching doctors while pursuing a personal injury case, you should be prepared for the “doctor shopping” accusation from the insurance company. This argument accuses the injured party of searching for a doctor who will provide an opinion that will favor them in the case.
When is it Appropriate to Switch Doctors during a Civil Claim?
It may be appropriate to switch doctors through a physician referral after a substantial amount of treatment. For example, if a patient’s condition is not improving, their doctor may refer them to another physician or specialist to explore more aggressive forms of treatment. In other words, you may need to provide proof that a change in doctors was medically necessary to successfully refute allegations of “doctor shopping.”
Reach out to a Personal Injury Attorney before Deciding to Switch Doctors
The process of switching doctors during a personal injury case can be tricky. For this reason, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney if you are unsatisfied with your medical treatment while pursuing a claim for damages.
Get in touch with O’Connor, Acciani & Levy Law to receive a free consultation from an experienced personal injury attorney today.
