Whether you were injured in a car crash, slip and fall, or some other type of accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and options regarding financial reimbursement for your damages. Depending on the severity of the injury, you can incur significant costs from doctor appointments, surgeries, medication, and treatment such as physical therapy. If you’re wondering whether you can recover compensation for the cost of physical therapy after being involved in an accident, continue reading and consult an experienced Bergen County injury lawyer today.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a type of healthcare designed to rehabilitate individuals who have been injured or developed a disease that impacts their body’s ability to function properly. It is commonly used after accidents to treat injuries like neck and back pain, broken bones, sprains and strains, nerve damage, and post-surgery rehabilitation.
Physical therapists use a combination of different exercises, stretches, massages, and more to improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and get patients back to normal functioning.
Can I Recover Compensation for the Cost of Physical Therapy After an Accident in NJ?
Yes, it is possible to recover compensation for the cost of physical therapy after being involved in an accident in New Jersey. There are different ways you can be compensated depending on the details of your accident and situation.
For example, suppose you were injured in an auto accident. New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning that all drivers must carry PIP (Personal Injury Protection), which covers injury-related expenses. You can be compensated for physical therapy through your own PIP coverage. Additionally, if your injuries exceed a certain threshold or if your PIP coverage is not sufficient for your expenses, you can pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party for compensation.
If you were injured in another type of accident, like a slip and fall premises liability incident, for example, you can file a claim or lawsuit against the responsible individual or entity. You must be able to prove that the other party’s negligence caused your accident and injury. Through legal action, you can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Physical therapy is considered an economic damage as there is a real financial value attached to it.
If your injury was sustained in a workplace accident, workers’ compensation may cover your expenses. Workers’ comp pays for reasonable and necessary treatment after a workplace injury. This includes physical therapy to rehabilitate you after being harmed.
Regardless of how you recover compensation, you must provide a variety of evidence demonstrating that your injury was sustained in the accident and that physical therapy is necessary. This can include medical records, bills and receipts, expert testimony, and more. For more information and skilled legal representation during your case, reach out to a skilled attorney today.
