Can I Switch Doctors While Pursuing a Personal Injury Case?

CHICAGO, IL – 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. Therefore, it’s in your best interest if you’re pursuing a civil lawsuit to consult with a personal injury attorney at the Dinizulu Law Group before switching doctors due to dissatisfaction with your current medical treatment.

What Doctor to See After an Accident in Chicago, Illinois

If you are injured in an accident, you will likely be seen by a doctor in the emergency room; however, once you are released from the hospital, you will need to find a doctor who can provide you with long-term care. If you do not have a regular doctor, your insurance company may give you a list of their network providers.

If you already have a regular doctor, you may want to stick with them for your injury case. This is because they already know your medical history and can provide continuity of care; however, if you are unhappy with your regular doctor or need specialized treatment, you may consider finding a new doctor.

How Long Do I Have to Go to a Doctor in Illinois?

It’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident for documentation purposes and to support your personal injury claim. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years which begins on the date the injury occurred.

Doctor Shopping

Be prepared for the “doctor shopping” accusation from the insurance company if you choose to move forward with switching doctors while pursuing a personal injury case. This argument accuses the injured party of searching for a doctor who will provide an opinion that will favor them in the case.

Is it Appropriate to Switch Doctors During a Civil Claim?

You may be able to switch doctors through a physician referral after a substantial amount of treatment. For instance, if a patient’s condition isn’t improving, their doctor may refer them to another physician or specialist to explore more aggressive forms of treatment. Similarly, the insurance company probably would not push back if you changed doctors for another unavoidable reason, such as your current provider leaving the profession or moving to a new location.

In other words, you may need to provide proof that a change in doctors was medically necessary to refute allegations of “doctor shopping.”

What If a Doctor Recommends Alternative Care?

Importantly, switching doctors during a personal injury case by your own volition is very different from switching doctors because another physician recommended that you do so. For example, if basic chiropractic treatment does not resolve lingering back pain stemming from a car wreck, the chiropractor might refer that patient to a specialist or even recommend corrective surgery.