When you’ve been injured in a car accident, medical bills often play a central role in determining the value of your personal injury settlement. These bills serve as tangible evidence of the harm you’ve suffered and the financial burden caused by the accident. However, navigating the relationship between medical care and settlement amounts can be tricky, especially when unscrupulous practices come into play. Some lawyers and medical providers may push unnecessary treatments to inflate the value of your case, while others may fail to guide you toward proper care. At GAMESQ, PLC, Garrick McFadden takes a balanced approach—ensuring clients receive the care they need while avoiding pitfalls that could harm their case.
How Medical Bills Influence Your Settlement
Medical bills are one of the primary factors insurance companies and courts consider when calculating settlement amounts. These expenses provide a baseline for economic damages, which include:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Follow-up appointments
In addition to covering past medical expenses, settlements often account for future medical needs if your injuries require ongoing treatment. For example, if you’ve sustained a herniated disc or other long-term injuries, your settlement may include compensation for future surgeries, physical therapy, or pain management. An experienced Arizona motorcycle accident injury lawyer is a smart choice to contact if you need more advice on this issue.
However, it’s important to note that not all medical treatments carry equal weight in personal injury claims. Insurance companies scrutinize whether the care you received was necessary and directly related to the accident.
The Problem with Unnecessary Medical Care
Unfortunately, some Arizona personal injury lawyers work with teams of doctors and chiropractors who prioritize inflating case values over providing appropriate treatment. These providers may recommend unnecessary tests, excessive visits, or even invasive procedures that don’t align with your actual medical needs.
Why This Can Hurt Your Case
- Credibility Issues: Insurance companies are quick to question cases where medical care appears excessive or unrelated to the injuries sustained in the accident. This can undermine your credibility and reduce the likelihood of a fair settlement.
- Higher Liens: Medical providers who treat on a lien basis (agreeing to be paid out of your settlement) often charge higher rates than those covered by health insurance. This can leave you with little to no compensation after paying off your medical bills.
- Legal Risks: If it’s determined that your treatment was unnecessary or inflated, it could jeopardize your entire case.
At GAMESQ, PLC, Garrick McFadden advises clients to listen to their gut when it comes to medical care. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s the frequency of visits or the type of treatment being recommended—it’s important to speak up and seek a second opinion.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
1. Be Honest About Your Needs
Some individuals fall into the trap of thinking that more medical care equals a higher settlement. While it’s true that ongoing treatment can increase the value of your claim, this only applies when the care is necessary and well-documented. Seeking excessive or unrelated treatment can backfire by giving insurance companies ammunition to dispute your claim.
2. Avoid Lawyer-Referred Providers
While some personal injury lawyers have relationships with reputable doctors, others may steer clients toward providers who prioritize profit over patient care. To avoid this issue:
- Use your health insurance whenever possible.
- Visit your primary care physician or trusted specialists for initial evaluations.
- Seek referrals from unbiased sources rather than relying solely on lawyer recommendations.
By choosing independent providers, you reduce the risk of appearing as though you’re trying to inflate your claim artificially.
The Importance of Monitoring Your Progress
At GAMESQ, PLC, Garrick McFadden takes an active role in monitoring his clients’ progress throughout their cases. He understands that every injury is unique and requires personalized attention. Here’s how Garrick ensures his clients receive appropriate care without jeopardizing their claims:
- Honest Conversations:
Garrick believes in having open and honest discussions with his clients about their medical treatment. If he notices patterns that could raise red flags—such as excessive visits or unnecessary procedures—he’ll address these concerns directly. - Focus on Recovery:
Your primary goal after an accident should be getting back to normal as quickly as possible. Garrick encourages his clients to take their recovery seriously by attending all appointments, following their doctors’ advice, and avoiding gaps in treatment. - Balancing Care and Case Value:
While it’s important to document the full extent of your injuries through medical records, Garrick emphasizes quality over quantity when it comes to treatment. He works closely with clients to ensure they receive appropriate care without overburdening their cases with unnecessary expenses.
Your Role in Strengthening Your Case
As a client, you play a crucial role in building a strong personal injury case. Here are some steps you can take:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses.
- Be Consistent: Avoid missing appointments or delaying treatment, as this can give insurers grounds to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
- Avoid Social Media Pitfalls: Posting about activities that contradict your injury claims (e.g., playing sports while claiming back pain) can harm your credibility.
- Provide Comprehensive Information: Share details about past medical providers and employment history so your lawyer can prepare for potential challenges from insurers.
Why Choose GAMESQ?
At GAMESQ, PLC, Garrick McFadden brings over 17 years of experience handling personal injury cases in Arizona. As one of fewer than ten Arizona car accident lawyers who graduated from a top 20 law school (USC Gould School of Law), Garrick combines elite legal training with a client-focused approach.
Here’s what sets GAMESQ apart:
- Personalized Attention: Garrick takes the time to understand each client’s unique needs and concerns.
- Balanced Advocacy: He ensures clients receive necessary care while avoiding pitfalls like excessive treatment.
- Proven Results: With millions recovered for his clients, Garrick has a track record of success in securing fair settlements.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident and want an attorney who will prioritize both your recovery and your case’s success, contact GAMESQ today at gamesqlaw.com or call 623-233-4416 for a free consultation. Let Garrick McFadden guide you through this process with honesty and expertise—because your injuries are our fight—and your win is our mission.
