The physical therapy industry is enormous. In fact, the industry is valued at $30 billion and expected to grow 7 percent per year.
Many physical therapy patients are victims of a major accident. When this is the case, it begs the question whether physical therapy costs are included in a personal injury claim?
It is imperative to know this as the cost of physical therapy is high. Read on to learn more about the cost of physical therapy. Explore what physical therapy costs are included or invalid on a personal injury claim.
Physical Therapy Costs
Why is it necessary to claim physical therapy costs after an accident? The answer is simply that the cost of medical care is significant.
You likely need a ride to the hospital in an ambulance. If your accident is severe, the hospital may require you to stay overnight for an extended period of time.
Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may require diagnosis and treatment from several different doctors. Extensive testing is possible, as well as surgery and prescription drugs.
Many people mistakenly think this is the end of the medical bills. In reality, your recovery may take months or even years.
The cost of physical therapy sessions on a routine basis should not be underestimated. It would place an unnecessary financial burden on your family to pay for these costs alone. Instead, the best practice is to roll the medical bills from physical therapy into your personal injury claim.
Personal Injury Claims
Each state has different laws, but the widely accepted position is that the person responsible for your accident pays for physical therapy. The intent is to hold people accountable for careless or negligent driving.
The process starts with an official report stating who is responsible for the accident. It may be another person, business, or group.
The responsible party’s insurance is likely to pay for expenses up to the limit declared on their policy. However, that does not mean you are on the hook for expenses above this limit.
Instead, a legal professional will help you reach a cash settlement with the insurance company. This settlement will potentially cover physical therapy costs.
Tips for Recouping Physical Therapy Costs
To increase your odds of success, it is imperative to retain all receipts and records. Some insurance companies attempt to paint physical therapy as unnecessary.
Your lawyer will use this paper trail to prove that therapy was essential to your recovery. The records will include details of your therapy sessions and progress that you are making. The receipts, on the hand, create a log of costs that you have incurred to return to a pre-accident health state.
Cost of Physical Therapy – A Recap
A major accident can diminish your health and quality of life. Medical costs do not stop at the hospital, and in many cases, extensive physical therapy is required. This may be the only way to restore your body and movements to a pre-accident condition.
If you want to learn more about the cost of physical therapy, contact us today to schedule an appointment.