Seeking Medical Attention: Why It’s Critical To Act Quickly

Why Immediate Medical Care Matters

The most important reason to seek medical care right after an accident? Your health. You might not feel the full extent of your injuries right away. Conditions like internal bleeding, concussions, fractures, torn ligaments, or hernias often don’t show obvious symptoms at first. They can remain hidden until hours or even days later. But getting a prompt medical evaluation ensures you understand the true scope and severity of your injuries quickly.

But there’s another reason: documentation. If you delay treatment, you’re giving your employer and their insurance company an opening to argue that your injury wasn’t serious or didn’t even happen on the job. I’ve seen it too many times: a worker waits days or even weeks to seek help, and suddenly the narrative is, If it were that bad, you would’ve seen a doctor sooner.

That’s why immediate care protects you not only medically but also legally.

Whether you go through workers’ compensation, your own doctor, or a provider referred by an attorney, get seen fast. Diagnostic tools like X-rays and MRIs, combined with physical therapy or specialist referrals, not only guide treatment but also create a clear medical record of what happened, when, and how.

You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. And you shouldn’t leave your case vulnerable because there’s no medical proof of your pain.

Choosing Your Own Doctor

Choosing a doctor is a major aspect of the personal injury process in Texas. If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, they may direct you to providers within that system. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay there or that those are your only options. In Texas, you can choose your own doctors inside or outside the workers’ comp network and seek independent evaluations, especially when diagnostic tools like MRIs or specialized treatments are denied or delayed.

An experienced attorney can help you find qualified, trustworthy medical professionals, even outside the workers’ comp framework, so you can get a real diagnosis and the care you actually need. Here’s an overview of the process, step by step:

• Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as it happens.
• Ask if Workers’ Comp applies. If your employer has coverage, they’re legally obligated to provide you with access to approved medical providers.
• Get everything in writing. File a written report. Do not rely on verbal confirmation under any circumstances.
• Ask for the insurance adjuster’s info. The insurance company will assign a claims adjuster, who should be able to provide a list of approved doctors or clinics.

Every company’s network is different, so don’t assume your regular doctor is covered. And if something doesn’t feel right about the care you’re receiving, don’t hesitate to explore other options.

John Escamilla, founder of Escamilla Law Firm, PLLC, has spent nearly 30 years guiding injured workers through the complex aftermath of on-the-job accidents across Texas. With firsthand experience handling cases where delayed medical care costs clients their health and their legal standing, John knows exactly how critical it is to act fast and document everything. His team has helped countless individuals navigate medical networks, challenge denials, and access real treatment, not just checkbox care.

If you've been hurt at work, don’t wait. Protect your health and your rights and contact us today.

What To Disclose To The Doctor

Be specific, be honest, and be thorough. Doctors can only help you if they know the full story. Tell them:

What Happened

What struck you? What part of your body was injured? Was it a fall, a burn, a crush injury, or something else?

What You’re Experiencing

Whether simple pain and dizziness or concerning loss of consciousness and bleeding, don’t leave anything out.

When Your Symptoms Began And How They’ve Progressed

Don’t minimize your symptoms, and don’t assume something will “just get better.” If you fail to mention something early on, it may not be considered part of the injury later. The doctor’s notes will become key evidence in your case, so make sure they have a complete picture.

Seeking A Second Opinion

Too often, the doctors assigned by employers or insurance companies downplay injuries or recommend only minimal care. If you’re being told:

• It’s just a strain.
• You don’t need imaging.
• You’re fine to go back to work.

… but your body is telling you otherwise, listen to your body.

You can—and should—seek a second opinion. That might mean visiting a non-network specialist, getting an MRI or CT scan on your own, or pursuing physical therapy if it’s denied by workers’ comp. Yes, you may have to fight for reimbursement later, but your health can’t wait. And an experienced attorney can help you coordinate care, challenge denials, and ensure you get the diagnosis and treatment you deserve.

Getting injured on the job is scary enough. Don’t make it worse by waiting to get help or trusting the system to take care of you. The system is designed to protect companies, not workers. Acting fast, getting the right care, and making sure everything is documented isn’t just a way by which you’re taking care of yourself physically. You’re doing much more! You’re strengthening your case, protecting your future, and sending a message: you’re not going to be pushed around.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on the importance of medical treatment after an accident, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (956) 618-4999 today.