Can I Recover Compensation for Physical Therapy Costs in California?

When you have sustained a serious injury, the road to recovery can be long and draining. As such, if your doctor has recommended you start physical therapy, you may be hesitant to do so, as the medical bills you have already incurred may be astronomical. If this reflects your concerns, the following blog explores what you should know about recovering compensation for the costs of appointments, as well as the importance of connecting with our Irvine personal injury lawyers to help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physiotherapy, more commonly called physical therapy, is a form of healthcare treatment that those who have sustained injuries or undergone surgeries may require to aid in their recovery. Physical therapy can be used to reduce pain, improve stability and balance, and help those who have undergone these injuries regain strength.

Sessions occur under the guidance of an experienced physical therapist who will work with you to determine the best plan of action for your specific needs based on the injuries you have endured. Generally, this entails exercises that help improve the muscles surrounding the injury, such as training with light weights and stretching. Additionally, your therapist can utilize different techniques like manual therapy, heat/cold therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation to assist in your recovery.

Am I Able to Have These Expenses Covered When Filing a Claim?

If you require physical therapy after an accident, you may be nervous about the costs you may incur as a result. As such, you may wonder if you are able to include these expenses in your lawsuit against the negligent party responsible for the injuries you’ve sustained.

When you are injured, you are generally able to seek two forms of damages. The first are non-economic damages. These refer to the emotional losses you have suffered as a result, and include things like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. As these losses are subjective, it can be much more difficult to calculate the value of these losses.

The other form of damages you can seek is economic losses, which include calculable expenses. These include hospital expenses, property damage, and lost wages if you were required to stop working to heal. In general, you can include the cost of past, current, and future physical therapy sessions when filing a personal injury lawsuit.

You should note, however, that you will have to show that the physical therapy you received is medically necessary. Often, this can be exemplified through a referral from your doctor.

Fighting for the justice you deserve while navigating a complicated injury can be overwhelming which is why our team at California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC, is here to assist you. We can examine your circumstances to determine the best course of action for your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more.