Expertly Reviewed By: Serah Waweru, Esq., on April 12, 2023
Physical therapy is often recommended for individuals injured in an accident. While the primary goal of physical therapy is to help patients recover from their injuries, it can also impact the settlement amount in a personal injury case. Here is all you need to know about physical therapy settlement after a personal injury.
Physical therapy can — but does not always — increase settlement after a personal injury. To put things into perspective, let’s discuss the different scenarios where physical therapy will or will not increase the settlement.
When Does Physical Therapy Increase Settlement?
Physical therapy can demonstrate the severity of the injuries sustained by the plaintiff. If a plaintiff is undergoing physical therapy for an extended period of time, it may be a sign that their injuries are significant. This can be used as evidence in a personal injury case to show the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries and their impact on their life.
For example, say you were injured in a car accident and needed physical therapy for a year. In that case, you will likely receive a higher settlement that an individual who only needs physical therapy for a month.
This type of therapy can also help document the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries and the costs associated with their medical treatment. It can include the cost of physical therapy sessions, medical equipment, and any necessary medications. All of these costs can be factored into the settlement amount to ensure that the plaintiff is fully compensated for their injuries and the associated costs.
READ MORE: 5 Ways To Find Out if Someone Got a Settlement
When Does Physical Therapy NOT Increase Settlement?
While physical therapy can be beneficial in a personal injury case in terms of increasing the settlement, that’s not always the case. For example, if the plaintiff’s injuries are relatively minor and they can recover quickly without needing physical therapy, this treatment may not significantly impact the settlement amount.
Additionally, think of a situation where the plaintiff fails to comply with their physical therapy treatment plan or misses their appointments regularly. Such actions may actually decrease their settlement amount. This is because the defendant’s lawyer can claim that the plaintiff did not take the right steps to recover from their injuries.
Is Physical Therapy Always Required After an Accident?
Physical therapy is not always required after an accident. That said, whether or not this type of therapy is needed depends on the extent of the injuries sustained. Sometimes, plaintiffs can recover fully without the need for physical therapy. Other times, they may need physical therapy to regain their mobility and strength. It is only after consulting a medical professional that the plaintiff will understand whether or not they need physical therapy.
What Injuries Require Physical Therapy After an Accident?
Not all injuries require physical therapy after an accident. Those that do include the following:
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Joint injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
READ MORE: How Long Do Injury Lawsuits Take to Settle?
How Much Is 3 Months of Physical Therapy Settlement Worth?
The value of a settlement for 3 months of physical therapy will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to:
- the severity of the injuries sustained;
- the cost of the physical therapy, and;
- the impact the injuries have had on the plaintiff’s life.
For best results, consult a personal injury attorney to determine the potential value of a settlement for 3 months of physical therapy.
What Is the Average Car Accident Physical Therapy Settlement?
The average car accident physical therapy settlement will depend on the factors mentioned above, and the specific circumstances of the accident. Generally, plaintiffs may receive anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000 as settlement.
What Is the Average Whiplash With Physical Therapy Settlement?
The exact settlement amount for whiplash injuries with physical therapy also varies from case to case. But, in most cases, plaintiffs are able to recover between $3,000 and $50,000 for whiplash injuries requiring physical therapy.
The Bottomline
Physical therapy can influence the settlement in a personal injury case. However, the extent of the influence will depend on a number of factors.
Suppose you or your loved one has been injured in an accident and are considering physical therapy. In that case, you should consult a personal injury attorney to understand the true value of your claim.
An experienced attorney can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and their impact on your life.
Additionally, following your physical therapy treatment plan and attending all of your appointments is essential. This can help maximize your chances of recovery and demonstrate your commitment to healing.
