Joanne Copeland comments on the requirement of rehabilitation in personal injury claims
The Rehabilitation Code has ensured that the immediate needs of those with injuries is considered at the earliest possible stage of any injury claim.
This means that solicitors, insurers and rehabilitation experts work together to ensure that those injured through no fault of their own have early access to experts who can assist with their recovery.
Recent changes in how personal injury claims are dealt with now means that solicitors for both the injured person and the defendant insurer will jointly instruct the appropriate expert, meaning those who need urgent help, such as physiotherapy, are able to receive that help at the earliest possible stage. Early access to expert’s help can often lead to a much better result in the long term.
In any injury claim, the purpose of rehabilitation is to help people with injuries, especially those who suffer disability as a result of an accident, receive help and assistance as soon as possible. Rehabilitation comes in many shapes and forms. These include physical help such as physiotherapy or prosthetic assessments and also help with injuries that are not easy to assess, such psychological injury. These injuries are often overlooked. Rehabilitation experts will also consider and assist with return to work and will often be able to liaise with employers to ensure that the injured party can be returned to work as soon as possible.
Once a need for rehabilitation has been identified, a rehabilitation case management expert is usually appointed. They will oversee the injured parties’ rehabilitation. Each case is dealt with individually and rehabilitation is in each case unique to the individual. If the injuries are of a physical nature then various forms of intervention will be considered including pain management, physiotherapy, even surgery where appropriate. Where the injuries are of a psychological nature the rehabilitation assessment may include recommendations for counselling or intervention such as cognitive behavioural therapy or other psychological assistance.
The purpose of the Rehabilitation Code is to promote a collaborative approach with the best interests of the injured party clearly at centre stage.
Here at Poole Townsend, we are very much in favour of injured people undergoing immediate needs assessments at the earliest stage so that appropriates experts can be instructed as soon as possible. This helps our clients gain access to experts that can help them with their recovery and hopefully return to a normal life.
If you do require help or assistance in respect of any accident or injury claim contact a member of our team to arrange your free initial appointment.