Coronavirus (COVID-19) is currently overwhelming healthcare facilities across the country. As confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, healthcare workers are scrambling to keep up. Medical facilities are also experiencing shortages in supplies, which is also contributing to the problem. If you have recently sustained injuries in an accident, you may be wondering if this is the best time to seek medical attention. You likely do not want to further burden healthcare workers, and may not want to get exposed to COVID-19 yourself. However, your personal injury claim may depend on you seeking medical attention. Our San Jose personal injury attorney discusses below whether you should go to the doctor during the coronavirus outbreak.
Should I Seek Medical Attention After an Accident?
Seeking medical attention in the aftermath of an accident is important for two key reasons. First, you want to see a professional who can assess and treat your injuries. It is not uncommon to experience a delay in symptoms after an accident. This may be due to adrenaline during the accident. Many people believe they are fine when really they are experiencing delayed car accident symptoms.
Secondly, if you are seriously injured, you may need to file a personal injury claim. If so, it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Receiving a diagnosis, documenting your condition, and undergoing treatment will all play a huge part in proving your claim. Without this information, you may not be able to secure the compensation you need to deal with your injuries.
Should I Go to the Doctor During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
The coronavirus outbreak will likely make getting your medical treatment difficult for a few reasons. First, it will be a challenge to simply get time in front of a doctor because of the influx of COVID-19 patients. At the same time, you do not want to risk exposure to the coronavirus by visiting a healthcare facility. While these are legitimate barriers, it is important to understand that your personal injury case may depend on getting the treatment you need. Documenting your condition at every stage is necessary for both proving your claim and securing the right amount of compensation you need.
With this in mind, you will want to weigh your options before making a decision about how to proceed. Depending on the severity or nature of your medical condition, you may be able to utilize telehealth. Telehealth is a way to visit your doctor through an online platform.
It allows you to conduct virtual, contact-free appointments with your doctor for a number of health concerns, including:
- Getting an initial screening for COVID-19 symptoms
- Showing symptoms or conditions to your doctor
- Checking in about the status of a chronic condition
- Discussing symptoms or side effects of medication
- Having a therapy session
- Getting a prescription refilled
- Getting a referral to a specialist
You can ask your doctor whether it is possible to address your medical concern through telehealth services and whether these services are an option at their facility. If telehealth services are not an option for you and you must see a doctor in person, you can follow the recommended social distancing and personal hygiene guidelines to protect yourself against COVID-19.
Contact the Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia for More on Personal Injury Accidents and Coronavirus
Determining whether you should go to the doctor during the coronavirus outbreak is a difficult decision to make. Our San Jose personal injury attorney respects the decisions that his clients make at this time. If you need help with your claim or have further questions about how the coronavirus will affect your case, contact our office at (408) 650-8955 or online.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)