How Physical Therapy Impacts a Personal Injury Settlement

physical therapy personal injury lawsuit

Being injured in an accident is tough enough—but trying to heal while navigating a personal injury settlement? That’s a whole new level of stress. The good news? Physical therapy can do more than just help you recover—it can actually boost the amount of compensation you might receive for your settlement.

Let’s break down how hitting those PT sessions can make a real difference in your recovery and your bottom line.

Types of Injuries That May Require Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a common component of recovery for many injuries, including:

Whiplash: Restores range of motion and alleviates pain.
Musculoskeletal Injuries: Treats sprains, fractures, and ligament tears.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Aids in regaining strength and mobility.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Improves coordination and balance.
Chronic Pain Conditions: Helps manage long-term pain effectively.

These treatments not only support your physical recovery but also serve as evidence of the severity of your injuries.

Why Physical Therapy Matters in a Personal Injury Case

Physical therapy is more than just a recovery tool—it’s a form of evidence. Attending prescribed physical therapy sessions can strengthen your personal injury case in several ways:

1. Proof of Your Injuries

Every physical therapy session documents the extent of your injuries and the progress of your recovery. These records create a paper trail that can demonstrate the severity of your condition and the necessity of ongoing care. Insurance companies are less likely to undervalue a claim when there’s clear evidence of medical treatment.

2. Increased Settlement Value

The costs associated with physical therapy, including future sessions, can be added to your settlement as economic damages. Moreover, the pain, discomfort, and lifestyle changes you experience while undergoing therapy can be accounted for as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

3. Demonstrates Commitment to Recovery

Skipping therapy appointments can be detrimental to your case. Insurance adjusters may argue that missed sessions indicate a lack of injury or commitment to recovery. By attending all prescribed sessions, you show that you’re taking your health seriously and mitigating damages, which strengthens your legal position.

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

When calculating a personal injury settlement, physical therapy can affect both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages: Include physical therapy costs, medical bills, lost wages, and future treatment needs. Retain all receipts and records from your therapy sessions to ensure these expenses are included in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages: Reflect how your injuries affect your quality of life, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of activities. Physical therapy records can support claims for these damages by showing the challenges you face daily.

How to Maximize Your Settlement

To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, follow these best practices:

Commit to Physical Therapy: Attend all sessions and follow your therapist’s recommendations.
Document Everything: Keep thorough records of your appointments, progress, and any expenses related to therapy.
Work with a Personal Injury Attorney: Navigating insurance claims and legal negotiations can be complex. An experienced attorney will advocate for your rights and maximize your settlement.

Contact Abeyta Nelson Injury Law in Yakima

If you’ve been injured in an accident, physical therapy can play a significant role in your recovery—and your personal injury settlement. At Abeyta Nelson Injury Law, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help.

Call us today at 509-575-1588 for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.