COVID-19: Can You Delay or Stop Medical Treatment for Personal Injury During the Pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has a drastic impact on nearly every aspect of our lives. But if you are unfortunate enough to get injured in a car crash or another accident during the pandemic, things might get a lot more stressful and confusing.
As hospitals across Rhode Island are overwhelmed by coronavirus patients, many Rhode Islanders are hesitant to go to a hospital for unrelated procedures out of fear of contracting the virus.
However, delaying or stopping medical treatment if you were hurt in an accident can not only impede your recovery or aggravate your condition. Also, doing so may negatively affect your personal injury case if you need to obtain monetary compensation.
Seeking Medical Treatment in Rhode Island During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you were injured in an accident – such as a vehicle crash or slip and fall accident – during the COVID-19 pandemic in Rhode Island, it is important that you do not delay the necessary medical treatment. The same can be said about pre-pandemic injuries that still require treatment. Do not stop, delay, or postpone treatment unless your physician determines that it is safe to do so.
In fact, during these unprecedented times, many doctors across Rhode Island provide alternative methods to continue treatment. Particularly, telemedicine is gaining popularity among medical professionals across the nation during these times of social distancing and self-isolation.
Why More Rhode Island Doctors Opt for Remote Telemedicine
Understandably, many people are afraid to visit hospitals and medical facilities due to the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. But a lot of medical treatment can be done with the help of remote telemedicine, which combines telecommunications and technology.
Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, can be done over the phone or through a computer. This allows doctors to provide certain healthcare services to patients without having to be present in the same room.
If your medical treatment can be done through telemedicine, you can continue the necessary treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic safely without having to expose yourself to the risk of contracting coronavirus in a hospital.
An ever-increasing number of hospitals and urgent care facilities in Rhode Island are performing telemedicine services in light of Gov. Gina Raimondo’s executive order, signed last month in response to the pandemic. The order requires the expansion of the availability of telemedicine in Rhode Island. The order also requires health insurance companies to fully reimburse patients for necessary telemedicine services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Therefore, if remote telemedicine is an available option in your case, you do not have to stop or delay your medical treatment during the pandemic.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim During the Coronavirus Pandemic
While courts across Rhode Island remain closed to non-emergency matters through May 17, you can still exercise your legal rights during the pandemic. Yes, you can still seek justice and recover damages by pursuing a personal injury claim in Rhode Island.
Contact our knowledgeable Rhode Island car accident attorneys to assist you in building your case during these trying times. Call at 401-453-2700 to speak with lawyers at Robert E. Craven & Associates.
Resource:
providencejournal.com/news/20200408/ri-judiciary-closes-courts-to-routine-matters-through-may-17
https://www.robertecravenlaw.com/whos-liable-in-chain-reaction-crashes-in-rhode-island/
