What is the purpose of a medical examination during a car accident lawsuit in Connecticut?
New London, CT – Many car accidents result in some kind of health issues or medical problems, even if they are not apparent immediately after the collision. Both insurance companies and attorneys may recommend that the victim receives a medical examination from a doctor to prove the extent of their injuries. These examinations can also provide important medical documentation and other records that are used during the discovery process or throughout the personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance companies and their doctors
When a car accident victim files an insurance claim, the provider normally has their own group of doctors that are supposed to provide an independent analysis and examination of the person’s injuries and verify that they actually sustained an injury. In a general sense, this is meant to help prevent insurance fraud and verify the severity of the injury and necessary course of treatment.
However, these exams also create problems because the doctor may ultimately be trying to protect the insurance company and downplay the severity of an injury. Some insurance companies even try to use doctors that do not have the proper qualifications to examine the person’s specific injuries.
If it seems that the insurance company is attempting to find reasons to avoid paying a claim, the victim should retain their own injury lawyer immediately to intervene.
Doctors and evidence for use in a lawsuit
When a health professional looks at a person’s injuries, they may be called to testify in court at trial or take a deposition to explain their examination further. Doctors are valuable witnesses at trial because they can be qualified to give opinions about the person’s treatment and give other kinds of testimony that are not allowed by standard witnesses. The rules of evidence in each state give requirements for a person to be qualified as an expert witness.
Medical records and information obtained in the exam can also be useful for settlement negotiations. A lawyer who knows that their client is responsible for a serious injury or health problem may be more willing to settle the case for an amount that is favorable to the plaintiff. Settlement negotiations can also give a preview of the kind of information and evidence that would be introduced if the case goes to trial. The defense may actually lose much more money if they lose the case after a jury trial.
Lawyers who file accident lawsuits in Connecticut
Holth and Kollman is a firm that represents local clients in the New London area during their accident lawsuits. Their personal injury attorneys are available to talk with local clients about the possibility of bringing a civil case against the person responsible for their losses.
Firm contact info:
58 Huntington Street, New London, CT 06320
860-447-0331
