Being injured in an accident can have a variety of consequences, including extensive medical bills, property damage, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. Physical therapy is often an important part of recovery, but the cost of sessions can add up quickly. You may be wondering whether you can recover the cost of physical therapy. Understanding your legal rights and options is critical after being involved in an accident. Continue reading and work with a knowledgeable New Jersey injury lawyer for more information today.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy, or PT for short, is a form of rehabilitative care that helps people regain strength, mobility, and function after an injury. It generally involves guided exercises, stretching routines, manual therapy, and sometimes specialized equipment.
Physical therapy is prescribed by a doctor and is tailored to the individual’s specific injury or condition. After an accident, the body could suffer soft tissue damage, broken bones, spinal injuries, and more. Physical therapy can help reduce pain, regain mobility, and prevent long-term disability. It is also important in recovering after a surgery. While often beneficial, physical therapy can be extremely expensive, which is why it is so important to consider compensation after being involved in an accident.
Can I Recover the Cost of Physical Therapy After My Accident in NJ?
Yes, in New Jersey, you can recover the cost of physical therapy after being injured in an accident. Your options to recover compensation will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the situation. Consider the following.
- PIP Coverage: If your injury was caused in a car accident, you could recover compensation for physical therapy through PIP. New Jersey requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance, a type of no-fault insurance that provides coverage for reasonable and necessary medical treatment. You can recover compensation for injury-related expenses such as physical therapy, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you must be able to prove that physical therapy is truly necessary.
- Personal injury lawsuit: If your injuries were caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This could be a viable option in a premises liability case or even a car accident if your injuries are serious or your costs exceed your policy limits.
- Workers’ compensation: If your injury occurred while you were at work or related to the duties of your job, you may be covered by workers’ comp, a no-fault insurance provided through your employer. Workers’ compensation can pay for certain benefits, including physical therapy, as long as it is deemed medically necessary.
While physical therapy is often necessary and beneficial during the recovery process, it can be difficult to prove that it is needed when attempting to collect compensation. Acquire the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer who can negotiate with insurance adjusters, challenge denials, and help you gather and present evidence proving that your physical therapy is necessary.
