We are amid an unprecedented pandemic moving throughout our country, and it has severely strained our medical system. Not only that, many people do not want to go to the Emergency Room for fear of getting the coronavirus. But personal injuries can occur during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have to know what to do to be prepared.
An injured person should not allow the pandemic to result in pain, or even worse, allow a severe injury to become permanent or cause death out of fear of going to the doctor.
So, what are your options if you get injured during the Coronavirus Pandemic?
How to deal with Personal Injuries During the Coronavirus Pandemic
What about the risk of contracting COVID-19 at local Emergency Rooms?
The media coverage of COVID-19 is scary, and the risk is real. But a car wreck, slip and fall, or other accidents can still cause life-altering or life-threatening injuries that are not always immediately noticeable. Therefore, obtaining emergency medical care as quickly as possible can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
The emergency rooms at local hospitals are continuing to provide emergency care to patients. In fact, the CEO of a local Madison County Hospital recently indicated their patient count is actually lower than average and that the virus has not yet impacted medical services provided. However, it is always advisable to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the State of Alabama guidelines to protect yourself from contracting the virus in the event emergency care is required.
If you must go to a hospital and are in a high-risk group (such as those with underlying medical conditions or those over the age of 60), it is a good idea to take precautions and wear a mask and gloves. Also, avoid touching your face and wash your hands with soap and water as frequently as possible. Finally, stay at least six feet away from all individuals while in the hospital, when at all possible.
Fortunately, medical practitioners will likely be wearing protective equipment at all times, which further prevents the spread of the virus to patients. Remember, our medical providers are very aware of how the virus spreads and take extra precautions to ensure every patient’s safety.
Are There Emergency Care Options Other Than the Hospital ER?
There are many other options available if the injured person does not want to go to the hospital.
Many local urgent care facilities are continuing to treat patients who have suffered injuries. It is a good idea to call ahead and explain your current issues/injuries so the facility can determine what the best course of treatment will be.
In addition to urgent care facilities, many virtual or online treatment options have only recently become available. These services, such as Teladoc, steadymd.com, betterhelp.com, and others, can provide virtual/online medical services in the event of an injury. Generally, video conferencing is available. Medical care/advice can be obtained about which course of action should be taken to treat injuries.
With these services, an injured person can seek comfort in knowing he/she can speak to an actual doctor who can prescribe medications and give sound medical advice. While most mainstream health insurance carriers will cover treatment received from online doctors, it is always best to check with an insurance carrier before receiving treatment.
Finally, it is not uncommon to suffer muscle strains, whiplash, and/or joint pain following an event such as a car wreck. Many local chiropractors are continuing to provide treatment to injured patients. Chiropractic treatment can frequently offer relief from the pain and limited range of motion following a joint or muscle-related injury.
It is always best to call ahead to determine if treatment can be provided based on the type of injury received. Also, continuing to follow CDC and State of Alabama guidelines for protection against contracting the virus while undergoing treatment is advisable.
I was injured and have not obtained any medical treatment because I did not want to contract Coronavirus. Should I still call a personal injury lawyer?
Yes, we may be able to help. It is always advisable to contact a personal injury attorney if you have been hurt by someone else’s conduct. Even in these difficult times, we are continuing to provide representation to injured parties through video and teleconferencing services.
Frequently, we can point an injured person in the right direction towards obtaining safe medical care and can further help in establishing a claim for injuries with the proper insurance company.
Have more questions about COVID-19 and personal injuries? Please don’t hesitate to reach out through our website contact form, by calling our office, or through direct message on our Facebook page.