After sustaining an injury, developing a disease, or undergoing surgery, patients may receive treatment through physical therapy. Physical therapy is a beneficial process involving the use of exercises, stretches, massages, and other activities to improve physical function, strength, and mobility. While this process is often effective, it can be costly. If you were injured as a result of another person’s actions, you may be able to recover compensation for your physical therapy expenses. Continue reading and consult with a skilled Middlesex County personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options today.
Can I Recover Compensation for Physical Therapy After an Accident in NJ?
Through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you can recover two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are quantifiable losses that have a monetary value associated with them. They can be documented through bills, evaluations, pay stubs, etc. Non-economic damages are losses that do not cost money but still have an impact on the victim. This can include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Physical therapy is a medical expense and is therefore considered an economic damage. It costs money to be seen by a physical therapist and attend sessions. You can recover compensation for your physical therapy visits, but it is important to consider the steps you must take to do so.
How Can I Be Compensated for Physical Therapy?
You can recover compensation for expenses related to an accident, including physical therapy, through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. In New Jersey, injury-related expenses are covered under PIP (Personal Injury Protection), a type of no-fault insurance required by the state. PIP claims are filed through your own insurance provider.
However, if your PIP does not cover your total expenses or if your injury meets the Limitation on Lawsuit Threshold, you can file a liability claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Injuries that qualify include death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, significant scarring, displaced fractures, loss of a fetus, and a permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability.
As established, you have at least three options when pursuing compensation for physical therapy. However, in order to be compensated for your physical therapy through a claim or lawsuit against the other party, you must be able to establish a connection between the injury you are being treated for and the defendant who caused the accident. You can do so by demonstrating how the defendant was negligent or reckless and how their actions led to your accident and injury. Keeping detailed medical records is also imperative to create a link between the incident and your need for physical therapy.
It is crucial that you work with a skilled personal injury attorney during your case to ensure your right to compensation is protected. Reach out to a lawyer at Stathis & Leonardis, LLC for more information today.
