As a personal injury attorney in California, you understand the importance of having a reliable network of medical professionals who can provide quality care for your clients. One such professional is a chiropractor, particularly when dealing with car accident cases that often result in whiplash and other musculoskeletal injuries. This blog post will guide you through the process of working with a chiropractor in Petaluma and Sonoma County, who takes interest in personal injury cases and operates on attorney's liens.
Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in the recovery process of personal injury victims. Chiropractors are experts in treating soft tissue injuries, especially those related to the spine. Whiplash, a common injury in car accidents, is a prime example of such an injury.
Another name for Whiplash is Cervical Acceleration-Deceleration Injury. CAD for short.
Whiplash occurs when the neck and head are suddenly forced backward and then forward, putting the cervical spine through lightning-quick motions and extreme stresses. This often results in injuries to the ligaments, muscles, and discs of the neck and spine. A chiropractor can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with whiplash, and guide the patient through a comprehensive rehabilitation process.
Chiropractic treatments for whiplash are designed to help reduce pain, restore normal function, and prevent chronic conditions from developing. These treatments may include spinal manipulation, muscle relaxation or stimulation, various exercises, and ergonomic advice.
Spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment, is the primary treatment method. The chiropractor uses their hands or a device to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine, improving physical function and reducing pain.
Muscle relaxation or stimulation consists of different types of stretches and pressures applied to the muscles to relieve tension or spasms. In this office, we use a muscle stimulation machine that uses Interferential Therapy. This can be combined with other treatments like heat or cold therapy and massage.
Specific exercises help improve the range of motion and prevent further injury. The chiropractor may also provide ergonomic advice to help the patient make adjustments to their work or home environments that promote better posture and movement.
Understanding the healing process of connective tissues is essential in managing personal injury cases. After an injury, the body initiates a healing process that generally occurs in three phases: inflammation, repair, and remodeling.
During the inflammation phase, the body responds to the injury by increasing blood flow to the area, which may result in swelling, heat, redness, and pain. This phase typically lasts for a few days.
The repair phase follows, where the body starts to replace damaged tissues with new ones. This phase can last from a few days to a few weeks.
Finally, the remodeling phase begins. This is when the body strengthens the new tissues, adjusting them to the stresses and strains of everyday activities. This phase can last from several months to a year.
Throughout these phases, chiropractic care can help manage pain, promote healing, and restore function.
Working with a chiropractor on a lien basis means that the chiropractor agrees to wait for payment until the personal injury case is resolved. This is beneficial for the client who may not have the means to pay for their treatment upfront.
The process begins when you, the attorney, contact our office at (707) 658-2534 or [email protected]. We then reach out to schedule the patient for an initial consultation. During this visit, we assess the patient's condition and order necessary diagnostic tests such as an MRI or X-rays to document the injury.
Over the course of 3 to 4 months, we provide the necessary chiropractic care, which may include spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and other treatments to promote healing. If necessary, we make referrals to pain management specialists or other doctors.
Throughout this process, we maintain open communication with you, providing updates on the patient's progress and prognosis. This collaborative approach ensures that we can effectively advocate for the patient's needs when it comes time to negotiate a settlement or prepare for trial.
An attorney's lien is a legal claim for payment that is held by the attorney against the proceeds or settlement of their client's case. In the context of personal injury cases, this means that the chiropractor waits to be paid for their services out of the money awarded to the client.
When a chiropractor agrees to work on a lien basis, they are essentially agreeing to delay receiving payment for their services until the case is settled or a verdict is reached. This agreement is beneficial for the client, as it allows them to receive necessary medical treatment without the immediate financial burden.
It's important to note that the lien is binding, meaning the attorney is legally obligated to honor it before disbursing the funds to the client. This ensures that the chiropractor will be paid for their services.
Once the patient's treatment is complete, we work together to close the case. We provide you with a detailed report of the patient's residual impairments in their activities of daily living. This report, along with the documentation of the injury and treatment, can be instrumental in securing a fair settlement or verdict for the patient.
As a personal injury attorney, your goal is to ensure your clients receive the care and compensation they deserve. By partnering with a chiropractor in Petaluma who specializes in personal injury cases and operates on attorney's liens, you can provide your clients with the comprehensive care they need while also strengthening your case.
At our clinic, we are committed to providing high-quality chiropractic care and working closely with attorneys to see each case through to completion. We understand the importance of trust and ethical practice in this process, and we strive to uphold these values in every case we handle.
If you're looking for a chiropractor in Sonoma County who understands the intricacies of personal injury cases and the importance of attorney's liens, don't hesitate to contact us. Together, we can help your clients on their journey to recovery and secure the compensation they deserve.
