Most of the time, you can rest assured that getting Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will assist your personal case because it will help determine the details of your injury. An MRI is different than an x-ray. Usually, an x-ray will assist with looking at things like fractures or dislocations. X-rays are generally cheaper and so your family doctor will likely be more receptive to making the requisition for an x-ray than an MRI. MRIs, however, see beyond fractures and dislocations. They show the details of soft tissue injuries and brain injuries. For example you can have a bulging disc in your back or a disc herniation which would not show up on an XRI. In other words, MRIs are more detailed.
An MRI eliminates speculation
MRIs can help push your personal injury claim along. It is hard proof of an injury. When your lawyer is explaining your injury to an adjuster or the opposing lawyer the MRI results will show what that actual injury is as opposed to speculation in a written letter from your doctor. MRIs are also medically accepted diagnoses. It is accepted in the legal and medical community. This means the adjusters and lawyers will have to accept what the MRI says as proof of your injuries.
How can having an MRI affect your settlement?
Insurance companies will likely give you more money when they see something on the MRI. The bill for the MRI is also reimbursable by your accident benefits insurance company when you get the results that show an injury.
Images are more effective than words
Images are also more convincing for a jury. If a jury can see a blown up image of your injury during a trial they will more than likely believe you. If all you have is written reports the jury will find it hard to believe your injuries are as debilitating as you feel they are.
The other benefit of an MRI is that it will allow for further treatment than what the insurance company is currently paying for. It will allow the insurance company to understand the severity of your medical condition and will likely approve more treatment.
Also, if you have an old MRI (before the accident) and a new MRI which shows NEW damage then this will help with the causation issue of your case – we will know that your injury is from the accident and not a pre-existing condition.
MRIs mean better treatment and improved chance of recovery
Not only will an MRI help with your personal injury case, but the results of an MRI will also assist in your recovery. When the insurance company and your treating practitioners have a full understanding of your injuries then they will know what specific treatment plan is necessary for your recovery. A generalized understanding of your injures makes it difficult to create a concrete plan with respect to your recovery.
So, if your doctor wants you to get an MRI, then we recommend that you attend as soon as possible. It will not only be good for your journey towards recovery but also for your personal injury case. Your personal injury lawyer will appreciate that you have taken the time and effort to get MRI imaging.