No. We are not "partners" with your doctor. Your doctor practices
medicine (makes the diagnosis, renders the treatment, writes medical
records and determines your eligibility to be paid for any left-over,
unhealed injuries that exist after the six to eight month healing and
treatment period is over). We practice law (prove fault, handle legal,
insurance and financial matters). This means we have separate
responsibilities that do not overlap with those of your doctor. We
cannot tell your doctor what to do, or how to practice medicine in your
particular case. We cannot tell your doctor what to say in your
medical records. We cannot tell your doctor to exaggerate your
injuries to help your case. If it looks like we are in collusion with
your doctor, the other side will not believe your doctor's medical
reports, and it will look like your case was not good enough to win on
its own (without our collusion with your doctor). So, while you are
still treating (before your eligibility for payment for injuries can be
determined), we have nothing to discuss with your doctor, and therefore
do not usually talk to your doctor about your case. However, we will
discuss insurance or payment problems with your doctor at any time if
those problems should arise (because those matters involve insurance
and financial questions which are our responsibility). Even after your
doctor discharges you from medical care, we do not usually talk to your
doctor about your case. Instead, after your doctor discharges you from medical care, we will request all of the information about your injuries from your doctor in writing.
This means we learn about your injuries and your medical treatment in
the same way the other side will learn about them, by reading your
medical records, once they are complete (not by talking to your doctor
on the telephone or in person). So, for all intent and purposes, our
talking to your doctor about your case serves no real useful (or legal)
purpose and is largely a waste of time. However, if a lawsuit becomes necessary
(after settlement discussions break down), we will likely discuss your
injuries and your medical treatment with your doctor orally in order to
prepare your doctor for deposition testimony.
For more information on Orlando Auto Accidents contact Hanson &
Hanson, P.A. today at 1-800-426-7662 to schedule your free initial
consultation. More information about Orlando Auto Accidents can be
found in the practice areas section of our website.
