CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Whether you should seek chiropractic care after an accident depends on a number of factors that you should be aware of.

After an auto accident it is all too common to experience neck and back pain, and as a result might be considering going to a chiropractor. The answer to this is more complicated than you might think, as it has impacts on not only your physical wellbeing but also the wellbeing of your legal case.

The first thing to know is that seeing a chiropractor is not a substitute for seeing a physician. Most chiropractors are not licensed medical doctors (M.D.’s) , and so they can’t actually conduct a very valid and comprehensive medical evaluation of you to determine what treatment is most appropriate. For this reason it is imperative that you see a licensed physician after an accident, as their evaluation will not only guide your treatment going forward but will also be invaluable in proving actual harm for any legal claims you might have. In legal cases (like those arising from an accident) an opinion regarding the legitimacy of your injuries goes a long way towards proving your case and recovering compensation when it comes from a licensed medical doctor, but doesn’t carry much weight when it comes from a chiropractor instead.

The second thing you should be aware of when it comes to chiropractic care post-accident, is the cost. One of the primary concerns you probably have is what medical treatment will end up being covered by insurance, and what care will you have to pay for out of pocket. In California, if the insurance company ends up being liable for your accident, and it has been deemed medically necessary for your recovery from that accident to see a chiropractor, then you will generally be compensated for any chiropractic care you receive. However, it’s important to know that insurance companies are often very wary of chiropractic care in general and will frequently try to deny coverage for bills related to it. This stigma around chiropractic care extends beyond insurance adjusters and into the minds of potential jury members as well, with many juries being hesitant to recognize claims related to chiropractic care as legitimate and thus award damages that compensate for it.

This is why it is so important to contact a skilled attorney if you are ever involved in an accident and are thinking about seeking chiropractic care as a consequence. In a situation like this, we at Slatter Law Firm know the steps to take, and will fight to get you (or your loved ones) the compensation you deserve for all the medical care you receive. As a boutique firm, when you call Slatter Law you can speak to real attorneys (not just their secretaries) and even a founding partner -giving you real access to real legal advice when you need it. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, please call us today for your free consultation at (310) 405-0964 or toll-free at (888) 293-0404.