When you are injured due to someone’s negligence, your doctor may order an MRI to examine your injuries further. An MRI is different from other imaging tests like an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging test that uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy that produces detailed images of your body’s organs and structures. X-rays are beneficial when diagnosing fractures or dislocations, whereas an MRI can see injuries to the body’s soft tissues. Soft tissue injuries such as bulging discs in the back are prevalent with personal injury claims like car accidents. Oftentimes, MRIs will add value to your case and can help push your claim along.
Generally, the answer to this question is yes, and it is highly recommended that you do so. More often than not, people go to a doctor after an injury such as a car accident where they’re told that it is probably a whiplash situation and to do some physical therapy. One of the best things about an MRI is that it often definitively shows what is wrong, so you’re not guessing as to what happened.
If your doctor believes that seeing more detailed images of your injury from an MRI would be beneficial, then you should do it as soon as possible. It can actually hurt your case if your doctor recommends you get an MRI, and you do not do so.
An MRI is going to be hard proof of your injury. Having actual images of the injury puts you in a better position when negotiating your personal injury settlement with the insurance company or another attorney. Showing an actual image of the disc and tissue bulging is much more compelling than a doctor just writing in their report that it is probably a bulging disc.
An MRI can often tell you exactly what area is hurt so you can get the appropriate treatment to recover. If you are just sitting in pain, you are not getting the treatment you need, and thus you are not adding value to your claim.
An MRI can often increase the value of your case. When the injury is heavily detailed, it allows the full extent of your injury to be negotiated in damages. You want to make sure that you’re getting the right diagnosis with an MRI, which will help to justify your treatment and settlement later. Additionally, out of pocket medical expenses are recoverable in a personal injury case, so getting an MRI would add to those expenses and thus add to your case’s value.
Of course, getting an MRI when it is not necessary can add an expense to your case that may not be reimbursed, so the decision should to get an MRI should be based on the advice of a physician and with a reasonable belief that your condition is such that it is needed to confirm and/or treat.
