We are using the word "doctor" here, but we mean to include all health care practitioners.
The testimony of your doctor is a very important part of your case. Of course, you should make all your medical decisions on the basis of what is best for your health. Choose your doctor or accept treatment on that basis alone. There are a few suggestions we can offer you in this respect:
A. Give the doctor a complete history of the accident, including how it happened. This information becomes part of your medical record and eventually gets into many hands. If something is bothering you, let your doctor know. Sometimes, it is helpful to make notes to take to the doctor so you do not forget anything.
B. Keep all your doctor's appointments. Missed appointments will go on your record. If you cannot keep an appointment, call the doctor's office and explain.
C. Be truthful, complete, and consistent with your doctor. Do not exaggerate or complain without good reason. It is common for doctors to testify whether patients are cooperative or prone to exaggeration. If you exaggerate, your doctor, your attorney, or the judge may not take you seriously.
D. It is not uncommon to have medical bills that exceed your ability to pay while the case is in progress. It is rare that the defendant or the insurance company will pay your medical bills during the case. For that reason, it is our custom to write to the health care providers promising to protect their reasonable bills out of the proceeds of the case. This promise not only inspires cooperation, it often has the effect of keeping these overdue bills from being turned over to credit bureaus or collection agencies. It is up to you to notify us of these unpaid bills.
