If you have sustained a brain injury in a car accident, slip and fall accident, or any other accident or incident, going to the doctor’s office can be very scary because you have no idea what you are going to hear about the severity of your trauma and the long-term consequences of your concussion.
Still, it is paramount that you keep a cool head and use good judgment because you want to make the most of your trip to the doctor’s office. That’s why our Los Angeles personal injury attorney from JML Law advises considering asking your doctor the following questions in order to get the full picture about your medical condition, the length and cost of your treatment and recovery, and, as a result, help you seek compensation for your brain injury more effectively.
These are the questions you should ask your doctor after a brain injury or concussion:
- “How should I proceed with my treatment?” While your doctor will most likely outline your treatment plan after a brain injury or concussion, make sure you ask him or her for additional guidance on how to optimize your recovery.
- “How long will my recovery be? And will I ever fully recover?” This is probably the first question that will be on your mind when you step into a doctor’s office. While your doctor will provide you with an estimate of how long your recovery will take, you need to understand that everyone is different, which is why your doctor’s estimate may not necessarily be true for your particular case. Note from our personal injury attorney in Los Angeles: Your recovery depends on how meticulous you are in following your doctor’s recommendations and treatment plan.
- “What factors caused or contributed to my brain injury or concussion?” This one can help you seek compensation and recover damages if another party was at fault for causing or contributing to your injury;
- “Should I avoid physical activity or are there certain activities that I can do?” To prevent re-injuring yourself and speed up your recovery time, it is highly advised to avoid certain physical activities, get plenty of rest, and care about your hydration and nutrition. Your doctor may allow you to participate in light physical activity but do so gradually to prevent causing any additional damage.
- “Can I operate a vehicle with my brain injury or concussion?” Since driving a vehicle requires good judgment, attentiveness, cognitive efficiency, and sharp concentration (all of which can be negatively impacted by a brain injury or concussion), your doctor may advise you to avoid operating a vehicle until you have fully recovered in order to not put your own life and the lives of others at risk.
- “When can I return to my job?” If you have suffered a job-related brain injury, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits. If your brain injury or concussion is not related to your job duties and was caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness or wrongful act, a Los Angeles brain injury attorney can help you recover compensation for the loss of income and loss of earning capacity.
- “Are there any long-term consequences of my brain injury that I should be aware of?” If there are any, they should be taken into account when calculating the value of your personal injury settlement.
Asking your doctor these seven questions after a brain injury or concussion is very important, as your doctor’s answers can help you get a better understanding of the severity of your injury as well as help you pursue maximum compensation. Contact JML Law to schedule a free consultation today. Call 818-610-8800 for a free case evaluation.
