Can Refusing Medical Treatment Affect Your Injury Claim?

After an accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention even if you think your injuries are minor. Generally, refusing medical treatment could give the insurance company an excuse to reduce your injury compensation or deny your claim altogether. This article explains how your refusal of treatment may affect your injury claim. Keep reading below. 

The Right to Refuse Medical Treatment

In Ontario, any mentally capable adult can make decisions regarding their health. This includes the right to accept or reject medical care, even if the decision to not receive care may lead to a more severe injury, illness, or even death. 

Some may not feel comfortable with doctors or hospitals, have religious beliefs that prevent them from seeking medical care, or simply not want to go through a medical procedure. In some cases, this can mean refusing a blood transfusion or other medical treatments that are necessary for their health.

No matter the explanation for their refusal, the insurance company might still be suspicious about the veracity of your claims and argue that you did not suffer a grave injury. This could be utilized as a way to offer a meager settlement. You are within your rights to decline medical assistance after a crash if you are conscious. However, this decision may harm any claims you make for your injury.

How Your Injury Claim Can Be Affected 

Refusing medical treatment after an accident can make getting the compensation you deserve more challenging. Insurance companies are likely to pay the minimum amount, so don’t give them an excuse to reduce your claim or deny it altogether. Here are other drawbacks that are worth considering:

• Worsened Condition 

By refusing medical treatment, you risk being incorrectly diagnosed for injuries sustained in an accident. Without a diagnosis, any injuries may go untreated or be treated too late, potentially leading to more serious consequences. 

• Extended Recovery 

Access to proper medical care can help you heal faster after an accident. Not getting treatment, however, may cause your recovery to take longer. If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s recommended by personal injury lawyers to wait until you have achieved the best possible health before filing a claim.

• Elevated Expenses 

A delayed diagnosis and treatment of an injury can result in higher medical costs, lost wages, and additional suffering. If treatment is not sought in a timely manner, the condition may worsen, leading to more intense treatments and a longer recovery time. This can lead to a greater financial burden and more time away from work.

Final Thoughts 

Even if you’ve initially decided against seeking medical help after a crash, you may still be able to consult a physician. This would depend on how long ago the accident happened. Following a collision, it is not uncommon to be in shock and experience a rush of adrenaline, making it hard to recognize the severity of any injuries sustained. If this is the case, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Refusing medical treatment can lead to a variety of legal and medical issues. It can lead to a patient being unable to receive a fair injury claim, as medical records are key to establishing the extent of an injury and any subsequent medical issues. Patients must understand the legal and medical implications of refusing medical treatment.

Do you need the help of a personal injury lawyer in Niagara Falls? Turn to Parlatore Law. We are a personal injury law firm serving southern Ontario’s surrounding areas, including Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland, Fort Erie, Thorold, Port Colborne, Fonthill, Pelham, Grimsby, Stoney Creek, and Hamilton. Contact us.