Can I Include Physical Therapy Costs in My Cleveland Car Crash Claim?

Physical therapy may be a necessary treatment option for some victims after a car accident. The cost of these sessions can add up quickly, placing an unexpected financial concern on victims due to mounting medical bills.

Knowing how to document and claim these costs accurately can be the difference between recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve or paying out of pocket for thousands in damages.

At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, our knowledgeable Cleveland car accident attorneys can help you include your physical therapy costs as part of your overall car crash claim, ensuring those costs are included in your compensation. Call our firm if you have any questions about the next step to take in the legal process. We can explain your legal options in a free consultation.

Learn more about your potential case: 216-621-0070.

The Most Common Car Crash Injuries Requiring Physical Therapy

After a Cleveland car accident, physical therapy (PT) often becomes a crucial part of the recovery process. Many injuries, especially those resulting in surgery, may benefit from professional rehabilitation services, helping victims regain strength, mobility and function.

Below are some of the car crash injuries that may require physical therapy:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries
• Back Injuries and Spinal Trauma
• Knee and Lower Extremity Trauma
• Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Soft Tissue Injuries

What Is My Physical Therapy Claim Worth?

The value of your physical therapy claim depends on the severity and extent of your car crash injuries. If the nature of your injuries makes physical therapy treatments necessary, it could increase your recovery costs, which increases the overall value of your claim. Long-term therapy plans could be necessary for permanent or slow-healing injuries. Car crash victims with chronic pain or conditions might need periodic maintenance therapy sessions.

Other factors that may impact the value of your claim may include:

Associated Medical Expenses

Physical therapy claims extend beyond therapy sessions. Diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRIs are needed to determine therapy needs. Prescription medications could also be used to support therapy goals and pain management.

Home Equipment and Adaptation Expenses

Home equipment and adaptation often fall outside standard insurance coverage but represent necessary costs directly resulting from your accident. Save all receipts and get documentation from your therapist confirming each item’s necessity. This information should also be recorded in your medical records.

Some accident victims require the following specialized equipment or home modifications during recovery:

• Pain management devices
• Exercise equipment prescribed by your therapist
• Support devices like braces, splints or walking aids
• Specialized cushions or ergonomic supports
• Shower chairs, grab bars or temporary ramps
• Hospital beds or mobility aids for severe injuries

Wages Lost During Physical Therapy Appointments

Track any missed days or hours that you may have from work due to attending PT sessions. Depending on the scenario, car crash victims may have to use vacation or sick time while they recover. This could mean a financial loss in commissions or performance bonuses.

Your employer can provide documentation confirming your regular wages and missed work.

Caregiver Assistance During Recovery

Document services with receipts for professional caregiver assistance or detailed logs of family assistance. Serious injuries require help during the rehabilitation period. As a result, you may need the following help:

• Professional home health assistance
• Family member time providing necessary care
• Housekeeping or meal preparation services
• Childcare expenses during therapy appointments
• Transportation assistance from family or friends

Psychological Support During Physical Recovery

Dealing with a long recovery after a severe car crash injury takes an emotional toll. The emotional aspects of your recovery may require you to seek psychological counseling for accident-related trauma or therapy for depression due to a slow physical recovery. Mental health services play a key role in your physical recovery, so it is important to include these appointments and costs when tracking your medical treatment after a car crash.

How Insurance Companies Try to Deny Your Therapy Costs

Insurance companies deploy specific tactics after a Cleveland car accident to avoid paying for your physical therapy. Recognizing these strategies helps protect your right to necessary rehabilitation.

Insurers could claim your therapy is not necessary despite your doctor’s recommendations. They may also dispute the connection between the accident and your need for treatment. Sometimes, they could hint that your condition stems from pre-existing issues. Insurance companies may hire private investigators to spy on victims to ensure their physical limitations align with their statements.

Documenting Physical Therapy to Maximize Your Claim

After you receive your diagnosis and evaluation, it is vital that you follow up with all of your medical treatments consistently, including your physical therapy treatments. Missed appointments or not adhering to your doctor’s care plan gives room for the insurance company to dispute your claim. Not following through on your treatments is a huge red flag that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.

If you must miss an appointment, be sure to call ahead to cancel, and reschedule your appointment right away.

 Ask your doctor to document specific limitations caused by your accident and keep track of your progress. If you feel pain in a particular area, record that in your injury journal, along with how you manage work and social life despite your injuries.

Other aspects that may strengthen your claim may include:

• Before and after evidence to show how your injuries impact your quality of life
• Professional assessments from any medical specialists involved, as well as your primary care physician

Injured by a Negligent Driver? Call Friedman, Domiano & Smith for Legal Help

Physical therapy is often fundamental to restoring your health if you suffered severe injuries in a Cleveland car crash.

At Friedman, Domiano and Smith, we are committed to helping you recover the compensation for these, and other losses resulting from the crash that injured you.

Our trusted law firm has secured millions in compensation for our clients, and we are prepared to help you. Call for a free, no-risk case review today. When we represent you, you pay us nothing up front. We only get paid if you do.

Friedman, Domiano & Smith. We get results for you. 216-621-0070