The aftermath of an accident, whether on the road or at work, is one of the most difficult and stressful times that a person can experience. The adrenaline, shock and in some cases a stiff upper lip may result in you minimising the injuries you have sustained and the pain that you are experiencing. Some injuries can take hours or days to manifest - but how does this affect any future personal injury claim?
If you have been in an accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only will the appropriate medical care help diagnose and treat any injuries you have sustained – it is also a vital step which must be taken for any successful personal injury claim.
In a personal injury claim, evidence is the most crucial part. Evidence helps us to prove two things. Firstly who is liable for your injuries, in other words, that someone owed you a duty of care and they breached that duty of care. Secondly causation i.e. that their negligence caused your injuries. It is not simply enough to say you were injured – you must be able to prove that more likely than not the injuries you sustained were as a result of the accident. This crucial evidence can be found in your medical records – whether you attended your GP or a hospital.
Seeking medical attention assists us in proving causation. Relevant medical records may document the oral evidence you gave in the immediate aftermath of the accident to medical professionals whilst your memory is fresh; they may note the accident circumstances; a description of your injuries and any diagnosis; the treatment you received, and whether you have had to return for further treatment.
In order to properly value any personal injury claim, we require medical evidence which we obtain by instructing an independent medical expert to prepare a report giving an objective opinion on your injuries and prognosis. The expert report often acts as the fundamental piece of evidence to prove your injuries, your recovery period, and the overall effect the injuries have had on your life. The expert will review your records to cross reference important dates, injuries diagnosed and treatment received.
If you have been in accident, your health is too important to risk – do not hesitate to seek medical care.
If you have suffered an injury after having an accident please contact our specialist Personal Injury team on 0800 731 8434.
