If I Make A Claim, Do I Need To Go To Physiotherapy?

When people think about making a personal injury claim, they often focus on compensation. However, for the majority of injured people, the priority is much more immediate: getting better and returning to normal life as quickly as possible. 

One of the most important forms of injury rehabilitation is physiotherapy.

But is it necessary for your claim to be successful?

Read on as our specialist personal injury solicitors explain what physiotherapy is, the benefits and risks involved, and practical steps to help your claim if you decide to receive physio.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy or physio is a treatment method that helps patients recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve mobility. It’s often recommended for muscle, tendon, and ligament damage. The main aim is to try and restore movement, whether this is partial or full movement.

Physiotherapy and other rehabilitation support are an essential part of many personal injury claims. It can be obtained through the NHS, privately, or covered by the defendant as part of your compensation claim. A plan is usually made depending on your needs and requirements following the injury. Treatments could include:

• Tailored exercise programmes;
• Strength and conditioning work;
• Manual therapy;
• Mobility exercises;
• Post-operative rehabilitation;
• Advice on preventing future problems.

Treatment can be ongoing for a long period of time, so it’s important to work with a physiotherapist you can trust.

Why should I get physiotherapy?

Following an injury, it’s common to experience pain, stiffness, weakness, reduced mobility, and a loss of confidence in movement.

Without appropriate medical treatment, these symptoms could persist long after the original injury has healed.

What are the benefits of getting physiotherapy?

• Improve recovery and prevent long-term complications: Prompt treatment helps reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and restore function quicker. Without proper rehabilitation, some injuries may worsen or lead to chronic pain.
• Provide essential medical evidence and expert opinion: Your physiotherapist will document your treatment, which can support your claim and help demonstrate the extent and impact of your injuries. Physiotherapists can also provide professional opinions on your long-term prognosis, helping to establish whether you’ll suffer from lasting effects.
• Wellbeing: Beyond physical recovery, physio can enhance mental wellbeing, reduce pain, and provide a sense of progress. Recovering physically often helps ease the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. This holistic improvement can be reflected in your compensation claim, emphasising the comprehensive impact of your injuries and recovery process.

What are the potential downsides of getting physiotherapy?

• Costs and accessibility: Physio can be expensive and time-consuming. You might also be limited by the availability and location of therapists near you, especially if you live in more rural areas.
• Medical evidence requirements: To claim back physio costs, you need thorough medical evidence. This includes reports from your GP or a medical expert detailing your treatment and progress. In some cases, insurers might request their own additional medical evaluations, which can be time-consuming.
  

How does physiotherapy affect the outcome of my personal injury claim?

Where liability is admitted, it’s possible to secure rehabilitation at an early stage instead of waiting until the claim is concluded. We will work to arrange this through the defendant’s insurer and request they cover the costs upfront.

Where liability is in question or in dispute, it may be more complex as insurers could be reluctant to pay for it upfront. You can still access physio from the NHS. If you decide to pay for private physio from your own pocket, you might still be able to claim compensation for it if liability is eventually settled in your favour, and if you have clear medical evidence stating the physio was clinically necessary and caused by the accident.

If you decline recommended treatment or stop your physio sessions early, it might be interpreted that your injuries aren’t as severe, potentially leading to lower offers of compensation. Gildeas Solicitors are a specialist personal injury firm with years of experience navigating compensation for physiotherapy and rehabilitation. We can offer expert guidance and help negotiate with insurers to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available.

Practical steps to make your claim go as smoothly as possible with physio

• Consult a specialist personal injury solicitor: Contacting a solicitor with experience in personal injury claims such as Gildeas Solicitors can significantly impact your compensation. They can advise on the best course of action, including the role of physiotherapy in your recovery and claim.
• Keep detailed records: Keep a thorough record of all your medical treatment, including physio sessions. Document your symptoms, progress, and any setbacks to provide a full timeline of your recovery journey.
• Follow medical advice: Adhering to medical recommendations, including attending all your physio sessions, can demonstrate your commitment to recovery. It can also counter any arguments from insurers that you’re not taking the necessary steps to mitigate your injuries.
• Communicate with your solicitor: Regular communication with your solicitor ensures they’re up to date of your medical progress and can adjust your claim accordingly.

Summary

Ultimately, engaging in physio after a personal injury can help alleviate your injuries, and potentially help your claim by providing a clear timeline of the severity of your injuries and the necessity for treatment. However, it’s important to think about the costs and potential outcome of attending physiotherapy to your claim.

Gildeas Solicitors are here to support you at every stage of your recovery. If you’d like to discuss receiving physio as part of your claim, don’t hesitate to contact us for support.

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More from Gildeas:

• Mitigation: Could You Lose Out On Compensation Without Realising It?
• Maximising Your Personal Injury Claim: A Step-By-Step Guide
• Accident Claim FAQs: Expert Answers From Personal Injury Solicitors in Scotland