If I recently slipped on some ice while entering a commercial establishment, what type of doctor should I see?
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If I recently slipped on some ice while entering a commercial establishment, what type of doctor should I see?
I filed a report with the security staffer and told him that I was going to get checked out for a shoulder injury. He told me to send them the bill for the doctor’s appointment. What would be better – to go to a chiropractor or to a general practitioner?
Asked on February 23, 2015 under Personal Injury, California
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
It would be advisable to see an orthopedist where you could receive physical therapy. If a general practitioner prescribes pain medication without physical therapy, that won't resolve your injury.
If you can't be seen by an orthopedist, a chiropractor will provide you with physical therapy.
You should file a personal injury claim in writing with the insurance carrier for the establishment where you fell.
When you complete your medical treatment and are released by the doctor or are declared by the doctor to be permanent and stationary, which means having reached a point in your treatment where no further improvement is anticipated, obtain your medical bills, medical reports and documentation of any wage loss. Your personal injury claim filed with the establishment's insurance carrier should include these items.
Compensation for the medical bills is straight reimbursement. The medical reports will document the nature and extent of your injury and will be used to determine compensation for pain and suffering which is an amount in addition to the medical bills. Compensation for wage loss is straight reimbursement.
If the case is settled with the establishment's insurance carrier, NO lawsuit is filed. If you are dissatisfied with settlement offers from the insurance carrier, reject the settlement offers and file a lawsuit based on premises liability against the establishment.
If the case is NOT settled with the insurance carrier, your lawsuit for premises liability against the establishment must be filed prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations or you will lose your rights forever in the matter.
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