How Medical Experts Link Personal Injuries to Cleveland Car Accidents

Medical experts have specialized knowledge about how and why injuries occur. Their insights can be crucial for securing the compensation you need, especially in cases that go to trial or those involving significant damages,

Our Cleveland car accident lawyers are prepared to help you with every part of the legal process, pursuing the full compensation you need. In a free consultation, we can determine if you have a case and the potential next steps.

What Is a Medical Expert?

A medical expert is a healthcare professional with specialized knowledge in a particular field of medicine. In car accident cases, these experts provide professional opinions on injuries, their causes and long-term effects. They use their expertise to explain complex medical issues in terms that judges, juries and insurance companies can understand.

For example, if a case is taken to trial, a medical expert could provide insights into the severity of an injury. They can also testify about whether a victim needs ongoing treatment or could become disabled.

Medical experts review medical records, examine patients and offer unbiased opinions based on scientific evidence and medical principles. They typically have board certifications and years of experience.

What Are the Common Types of Medical Experts?

Depending on the nature of the injuries, multiple medical experts may need to be consulted in car accident cases such as:

• Orthopedic surgeons who specialize in bone, joint and muscle injuries
• Neurologists who focus on brain and nervous system injuries
• Radiologists who can interpret imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs and CT scans
• Pain management specialists who assess and treat chronic pain resulting from accidents
• Psychiatrists or psychologists evaluate mental health impacts, including PTSD
• Rehabilitation specialists provide insights on long-term recovery and necessary treatments

Why is a Medical Expert Important in a Personal Injury Case?

Lawyers use medical experts to help them prove that your injuries directly resulted from the accident. This is often a point of contention between lawyers and liable insurance companies. For example, insurers may claim your injuries were from a preexisting condition or were unrelated to the incident. A medical expert could debunk these types of claims with solid evidence.

Medical experts can also support your claim by:

• Assessing the full extent of your injuries, including long-term implications that may not be immediately apparent.
• Outlining the necessary current and future medical treatments, helping calculate your injuries’ full cost.
• Providing credible professional opinions that hold significant weight with insurance companies, judges and juries.
• Refuting claims made by the defense’s medical experts to strengthen your position.
• Breaking down medical jargon into simple terms to ensure all parties understand the nature and impact of your injuries.

How Do Medical Experts Determine the Severity of Your Injuries?

Medical experts use various methods to assess the seriousness of your injury:

Physical Examination

A physical examination involves a hands-on evaluation to assess various aspects of an individual’s health following an accident. This examination consists of identifying and documenting pain and physical limitations, such as difficulty lifting or bending after a car crash.

Medical History Review

A medical history review is an analysis of past medical records to understand the patient’s health before and after an accident. This process is essential for distinguishing between preexisting conditions and new injuries resulting from the car accident.

Diagnostic Tests

Medical experts also use diagnostic tests to identify and evaluate internal injuries sustained in a car accident. Various images and diagnostic technologies, such as X-rays and MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), can help medical experts gain detailed insights into the extent and nature of injuries.

Functional Capacity Evaluations

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are assessments designed to measure how injuries impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and work-related tasks. These evaluations give insight into how injuries impact a person’s ability to return to work or other daily responsibilities.

Pain Assessments

Medical experts use pain assessments to quantify pain levels and their impact on your quality of life. These assessments provide an understanding of the severity of pain, guiding treatment decisions and documenting the pain’s effect on daily functioning. This could be used to support the cost of prescription medication or ongoing physical therapy.

Psychological Evaluations

Medical experts may conduct a psychological evaluation to determine how your injury affected your mental health. For example, some victims may experience anxiety, depression or PTSD. These effects can hurt your ability to engage in everyday activities and maintain relationships. Someone struggling with anxiety may struggle to go back to work, possibly because of panic attacks.  

Long-Term Prognosis

Some car crash victims may have long-term injuries that could affect their quality of life. A long-term prognosis predicts future complications, necessary treatments and the potential for full recovery after an injury.

For example, a patient who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car accident may be at risk for long-term cognitive impairments, such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating. The prognosis might also consider the potential for chronic pain, arthritis or mobility issues stemming from fractures or joint injuries.

Some long-term injuries may need ongoing care, such as:

• Ongoing physical therapy
• Surgery
• Long-term use of prescription or over-the-counter medications

Common Medical Evidence Linking Injuries to Car Crashes

Medical experts rely on various forms of evidence to connect injuries to car accidents. Depending on the injuries sustained, some of this medical evidence can include:

• Medical records: Documentation of emergency room visits, follow-up appointments and treatments received
• Imaging studies: X-rays, MRIs and CT scans showing physical injuries
• Laboratory tests: Blood work or other tests may indicate internal injuries or trauma
• Biomechanical analysis: Studies of how the crash forces affected your body, often in conjunction with accident reconstruction expert analysis
• Treatment plans: Detailed outlines of required medical care, indicating the severity and long-term nature of injuries
• Expert reports: Detailed documents explaining the expert’s findings and opinions
• Photographic evidence: Images of visible injuries, vehicle damage or the accident scene
• Witness statements: Accounts from first responders or witnesses about your condition immediately after the accident

Call Friedman, Domiano & Smith After a Car Accident Injury

At Friedman, Domiano and Smith, we are prepared to manage your case from start to finish. This means negotiating with the insurance company, investigating the crash and consulting the appropriate experts to build a compelling case.

We do not charge any upfront fees unless we win your case. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.