After suffering a personal injury, it is crucial that you receive medical care as soon as you can. If you wait for your injury to heal on its own, you may have difficulty obtaining monetary damages from another party. Fortunately, there are often multiple options for pursuing treatment.
Injured veterans often have to go to the nearest hospital after injuries, but otherwise can commonly choose their doctor or hospital in Georgia. The fact that you are a veteran does not otherwise block you from seeing certain doctors. First, if their injuries occurred as the result of other peoples’ negligence, then their medical expenses may be compensated. Otherwise, injured veteran’s medical expenses are often covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if they go to particular doctors or seek approval for their care.
If you were injured because of another party’s negligence, seek support from our experienced Georgia personal injury attorneys at Howe Law by calling (844) 876-4357.
Seeking Treatment for Your Personal Injury as an Injured Veteran in Georgia
After being hurt because of someone else’s negligent behavior in Georgia, you should visit a hospital as soon as you can. You do not need to visit a VA hospital. Rather, you should go to the nearest hospital and get treatment as soon as you can. The important thing is that you seek prompt treatment and obey your doctor’s orders, but there are no restrictions on which hospital you can go to by virtue of being a veteran.
Seeking Compensation for Your Personal Injury as an Injured Veteran in Georgia
Fortunately, our Savannah personal injury lawyers can help seek compensation for your medical bills as well as many other damages related to your personal injury. The process for pursuing payment will usually begin by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If their insurer is unwilling to enter into a fair settlement agreement, then our team can file a lawsuit seeking the full extent of damages you deserve. The VA may be able to cover a portion of your medical expenses, but ultimately our legal team will help you obtain payment from the party who caused your injury.
Eligibility for the Veteran’s Choice Program in Georgia
In some cases, the VA will cover a portion of veterans’ medical expenses after a personal injury. One way that injured veterans can seek compensation from the VA is by seeing a doctor through the Veterans Choice Program. This program was designed to allow sick and injured veterans faster access to the healthcare they need. If you are eligible for this program, then you may seek VA-related healthcare from private physicians in your community.
There are several ways that you may qualify. First, you must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system to take advantage of this program. Also, you must meet certain criteria involving your ability to access a VA medical center.
You may be eligible for the Veterans Choice Program if you are facing a wait time of 30 days or more for an appointment at your nearest VA facility. Furthermore, you may participate in this program if you can prove that you drive at least 30 minutes to the nearest VA medical center. Previously, you needed to demonstrate that you drove at least 40 miles to a VA clinic to be eligible. However, this standard was updated in 2019. By measuring commute time rather than driving distance, increased access is granted veterans in rural and high-traffic areas.
There are other types of travel burdens that may cause you to qualify for the Veterans Choice Program. For instance, you may be eligible for the program if you need to travel by air, boat, or ferry to the closest VA medical center. Thankfully, you can consult with our Atlanta personal injury attorneys to help determine your eligibility.
How to Make an Appointment Under the Veterans Choice Program in Georgia
You will not make your own appointment when scheduling it under the Veterans Choice Program. Rather, if you are eligible, you will prove the name of your local doctor to the VA. Afterwards, the VA will determine if your doctor participates in the program. If they do, then the VA will contact them to set up your appointment.
Prescription Medication Under the Veterans Choice Program in Georgia
If you visit a private doctor through the Veterans Choice Program, then they may only supply you with a prescription with up to a 14-day supply. For medications that need supplies lasting longer than 14 days, you will have to get your prescriptions through a VA medical facility.
Who Pays for Your VA Medical Bills After Suffering a Personal Injury in Georgia?
When a veteran suffers a personal injury, the responsible party will pay for medical care provided through the VA program. The VA has the ability to collect reasonable expenses from a third party for treatment related to an injury that is not service-connected.
Accordingly, if you suffered an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should not wait to seek the treatment you need. You will not be responsible for the cost of any past, current, and future medical care related to your injuries.
What Other Damages Can Veterans Seek Payment for After Suffering Personal Injuries in Georgia?
In addition to recovering compensation for medical expenses, there are several other types of monetary damages that may be acquired by veterans in personal injury lawsuits. For example, any of the following may be pursued:
Lost Wages
If you suffered a personal injury, you may have to spend time away from work while you recover. In that case, you would be able to obtain compensation for any lost income suffered because of your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Additionally, injured veterans can seek damages for any physical pain and emotional anguish they sustain because of their personal injuries. For instance, in addition to causing excruciating pain, a veteran’s car accident injuries may also prohibit them from engaging in relationships with family members. Thankfully, in that instance, the victim may be entitled to payment for the physical pain and emotional distress they experienced.
Property Damage
Personal injury plaintiffs may also obtain compensation for property damage. For instance, a veteran who suffers a car accident may be able to sue the at-fault driver for the cost of their vehicle’s repair or replacement. After sustaining a crash, it can be beneficial to take photos of your damaged car at the scene. Photos taken at the scene may be helpful when seeking to establish the damage caused by your collision.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
A wide range of out-of-pocket expenses may also be pursued. There are several types of expenses that may be compensated. For example, you may need to pay for help with transportation to and from your doctor’s appointments. Further, you may have to pay for child care support while your injuries heal. If you suffered a personal injury, such expenses may be included in your claim against the at-fault party.
Punitive Damages
Finally, in rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages serve to punish defendants for their grossly negligent behavior. During a free case assessment, our team can help determine if these damages may be available to you.
If You Suffered a Personal Injury in Georgia, Our Law Firm Can Help
If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence, get help from our experienced Harrison, GA personal injury lawyers at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357.
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