Can I Recover Compensation if I Choose Holistic Medicine as a Treatment Option?

Sometimes traditional medicine or medical treatments do not work on accident victims. When this happens, the person may choose to turn to alternative or holistic medicine. However, the insurance company responsible for covering the costs of damages may not approve some types of holistic medical treatments. This can be challenging for someone seeking relief who is unable to afford the treatment.

Our car accident lawyers in New Jersey are prepared to help you recover full compensation for all your medical treatment. Even if the insurance company is refusing to pay for the costs of holistic medicine.

WHAT IS HOLISTIC MEDICINE?

Holistic medicine, as the name suggests, places emphasis on the healing of the whole person. Both physically and psychologically. Some holistic medicine practices are often considered alternative medicine. Some holistic treatments accident victims may seek include the following:

• Cupping
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy
• Body movement therapies

One important aspect of holistic medicine is that practitioners use treatments to fix the cause of the condition, and not just alleviate the symptoms.

Holistic medicine practitioners may also recommend using vitamins and supplements, instead of over-the-counter drugs, for pain relief.

WILL MY PIP INSURANCE COVER HOLISTIC MEDICAL TREATMENTS?

Since New Jersey is a no-fault state, accident victims must go through their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical costs and other damages.

Unfortunately, there are some holistic medical treatments PIP may not cover, such as acupuncture and massage therapy. However, PIP insurance should cover things like chiropractic care and body movement therapies, such as physical therapy.

If these services are provided by the chiropractor, treatments may be covered under the umbrella of chiropractic care. For instance, some chiropractors are trained in acupuncture or may have massage therapists who work in their clinics.

It is important to discuss the type of medical treatments you are receiving with your attorney so he or she can determine whether it would be covered by your insurance policy.

CAN I PURSUE COMPENSATION FOR HOLISTIC MEDICAL EXPENSES?

If you receive holistic medical treatments, your PIP insurance may deny covering the costs. If this happens, you may be able to turn to the liability insurance of the at-fault driver.

The liability insurance company may also try denying coverage for services, such as acupuncture and massage therapy. This can be a problem if these treatments help but you cannot afford the upfront costs. However, your attorney may be able to negotiate with your treating doctor to delay charging you for services until the close of your case.

If you suffered damages due to someone else’s negligence, our attorneys are prepared to help you recover the costs of your damages, including compensation for holistic medicine expenses.

ARE THERE ANY CONS TO CHOOSING HOLISTIC MEDICINE OVER TRADITIONAL MEDICINE?

In addition to the possibility of PIP insurance potentially denying coverage for these services, there is at least one other drawback to choosing holistic medicine over traditional medicine.

There are not a lot of scientific studies proving the effectiveness of holistic medicine. Therefore, it could be difficult to recover compensation for pain and suffering after only seeing a holistic medicine doctor. The insurance company may have a harder time agreeing to pay out your claim. If the case goes to court, a jury may also be skeptical about holistic medicine and side with the insurance company.

Therefore, it may be in your best interest to have a traditional medicine doctor diagnose your injuries, stabilize them and begin some initial treatment. If the treatment does not work and you opt for holistic medical treatment, you may have a stronger case because it shows you took the necessary initiative.

Remember that your recovery is the most important thing after an accident. Compensation may help ease your financial burdens, but your health is a priority.

GET HELP RECOVERING FULL COMPENSATION. CALL US TODAY

If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you have the legal right to pursue compensation for all your damages. Our attorneys have the resources and experience to help you build a strong case for compensation.

We offer a free legal consultation. There is no obligation to take legal action. There are also no hourly fees for our services. We work on contingency, which means we do not get paid unless you do.

Call (800) 518-0508 today to get started.