If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by another driver, it can be overwhelming to deal with both your injuries and the pain that they cause you on a daily basis. Your stress can increase when you are forced to take time off work with no pay while you recover, and a barrage of medical bills starts pouring in that you cannot pay. However, it is important that you keep track of your medical bills so that you can obtain compensation for all of your medical expenses in your settlement.
Types of Medical Expenses to Document
You will not know if you are receiving what you are owed for your medical bills unless you keep accurate records for your attorney. The first step in staying organized is to know all the medical expenses that you should be compensated for. These include the following:
- Surgery
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor and specialist appointments
- Physical and other types of therapy
- Diagnostic tests
- Mental health treatments
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
- Medical devices and equipment, such as braces, crutches, and wound dressings
- Ambulance rides
- Transportation and lodging expenses if you must travel to receive your treatment
- Home health care
- Household replacement services if you need someone to clean your house, take care of your children, or otherwise take care of your personal needs
How to Keep Track of Your Medical Bills
Keeping your medical bills in an organized fashion not only documents the amount of money that you are owed for medical expenses, but it also helps you keep a record of what medical treatment you received. When you are seeing doctors, specialists, and physical therapists on a regular basis, it may be hard to remember what treatment you received and when you received it. Your medical bills are one way that you can refresh your memory if you must testify at a deposition or trial. Here are ways to stay organized:
- Keep a journal. Keeping a medical journal is an important way to keep track of your medical care. You can jot down a note about every doctor appointment, physical therapy session, and other expenses that you incur with the date of the event. You can also keep notes about your pain and limitations of movement due to your injuries on a regular basis here.
- Take pictures. Some people like to take pictures of their medical records and bills to store on their computers and retrieve later.
- File medical bills. File your medical bills in a designated place as you receive them to ensure that you keep track of them. You should talk to your attorney about ways that you can organize your bills that will make it easiest for him to review them and calculate your expenses when determining the value of your claim.
Do you need to file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company? Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to guide you through the process and to fight for the compensation that you deserve. Call our office to schedule a free consultation to get your questions answered and learn more about your legal options.
|
Related Links: |