We get a lot of queries about MRIs from clients and potential clients at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker. These tests are costly, but the results might be crucial. We are not medical specialists, and we advise everyone to follow their doctor’s advice. However, we can provide you with additional information about the possible benefits and drawbacks of MRIs in accident situations.
What is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
Let’s start with an explanation of what an MRI is. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a sort of imaging comparable to x-rays in that it is used to diagnose problems within the body. It differs from x-rays in several aspects, including the ability to reveal pictures of non-bone materials.
An MRI, for example, can reveal disc material in the spine. This is why it’s so common in vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall incidents: the discs are frequently the cause of pain, and physicians need to figure out what’s wrong in order to treat the damage effectively.
The Benefits of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
If you’ve had a neck injury, spinal cord injury, or back injury, an MRI may be necessary to determine the source of your injuries so that your doctor can treat you effectively. They can utilize less intrusive ways to treat the particular issue when they know the exact location and origin of your injury. If your damage is severe, an MRI will be critical in assisting your doctor in determining whether surgery is necessary and, if so, how and where to conduct it.
In the instance of a personal injury, an MRI can help to increase the value of your claim. Sprains and bruises, for example, do not usually receive the same degree of compensation as slipped discs or nerve compression, which can only be shown on MRIs.
The Most Serious Drawback of Getting an MRI
In terms of medicine, there are no significant drawbacks to having an MRI. They are, in fact, one of the most effective methods to provide your doctors with all of the information they require to treat you. However, from a legal and budgetary standpoint, an MRI may not be necessary.
The biggest concern is the high cost of MRIs. A typical patient may pay upwards of $1,000 for the test, even if they have health insurance. If it’s for medical reasons, it’ll almost certainly be well worth the money. However, if it’s only to prove an injury in a personal injury lawsuit, it might not be essential.
This is owing to the fact that settlements do not necessarily rise as a result of what is shown on an MRI. Approximately one-third of our individuals have a disc bulge, which the insurance adjuster can use against you. While we always suggest an MRI if your doctor recommends it, if you’re merely doing it to confirm your injuries, it might not be worth the money.
