Long-Term Care after Auto Accident in St. Louis

After a car accident in Missouri, injuries can have long-term consequences requiring ongoing medical care. Here's an overview of what to expect and how to navigate long-term medical care in Missouri:

Types of Long-Term Care:

  • Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation to regain mobility, strength, and function after injuries like broken bones, muscle strains, or spinal cord injuries.
  • Occupational Therapy: Learning or re-learning daily living skills affected by injuries, such as dressing, bathing, or preparing meals.
  • Speech Therapy: Regaining speech or swallowing abilities impaired due to the accident.
  • Pain Management: Chronic pain is a common long-term effect of car accidents. Treatment might involve medications, injections, therapy, or a combination of approaches.
  • Mental Health Care: Car accidents can cause emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD. Therapy can help manage these mental health effects.

Paying for Long-Term Care:

  • Car Insurance: Your car insurance policy's medical payments coverage (MedPay) can help pay for initial medical expenses, including some long-term care costs. However, MedPay limits are often low.
  • Health Insurance: Your health insurance should cover most medically necessary long-term care costs after you meet your deductible.
  • Liability Insurance: If the accident was caused by another driver, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses, including long-term care costs. A personal injury lawyer can help maximize compensation from the at-fault party's insurance.
  • Medicaid: If you have limited financial resources, you might qualify for Medicaid coverage for long-term care services.

Finding Long-Term Care Providers:

  • Talk to Your Doctor: Your doctor can create a treatment plan and refer you to qualified specialists for long-term care needs.
  • Insurance Company: Your health insurance provider might have a network of preferred long-term care providers.
  • Online Resources: Websites like the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (https://health.mo.gov/) or AARP (https://www.aarp.org/) can provide resources for finding long-term care providers in your area.

Additional Tips:

  • Keep Detailed Medical Records: Maintain a record of all doctor visits, treatment plans, bills, and receipts related to your long-term care. This documentation is crucial when dealing with insurance companies.
  • Consider Long-Term Care Insurance: While not essential, having long-term care insurance can help cover expenses not covered by other insurance options.
  • Seek Support: Living with long-term effects of a car accident can be challenging. Consider joining support groups or talking to a therapist to manage emotional and psychological well-being.

Remember: Recovering from a car accident can be a long journey, especially with long-term medical needs. Here's how a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial:

  • Maximizing Compensation: They can help you recover compensation from at-fault parties' insurance to cover long-term care costs.
  • Navigating Insurance Claims: Dealing with medical bills and insurance companies can be overwhelming. A lawyer can handle this complex process for you.
  • Protecting Your Rights: They ensure your rights are protected throughout the process and can advocate for the care you need.

If you've been injured in a car accident in Missouri and require long-term medical care, consulting with a personal injury lawyer can be a wise decision to navigate the legal and financial aspects of your recovery.

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