Important Things You Should Never Say to a Doctor After an Injury in New Jersey
Suffering an injury can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. The aftermath is filled with medical visits, insurance claims, and legal considerations—especially if someone else’s negligence caused your injury. One crucial yet often overlooked aspect of a personal injury claim is how you communicate with your doctor.
The statements you make during medical consultations can significantly impact your recovery and the compensation you may be entitled to. Insurance companies often scrutinize medical records to find inconsistencies or statements that may be used to deny or reduce your claim. That’s why, if you’re injured in New Jersey, you must be cautious about what you say to your doctor.
In this article, we’ll highlight the key phrases you should avoid saying, why these mistakes can harm your personal injury claim, and how New Jersey’s laws affect your case. We’ll also provide practical steps to protect your legal rights.
Common Phrases to Avoid Saying to Your Doctor
1. “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad.”
Minimizing your symptoms might seem like an act of toughness, but it can work against you in a personal injury case. If your medical records reflect that you reported little or no pain, the insurance company or defense attorneys might argue that your injuries are not serious.
Instead, be truthful about your pain levels and any physical limitations you’re experiencing. Provide specific descriptions, such as:
- “I have sharp pain in my lower back when I stand for more than 10 minutes.”
- “I feel a burning sensation in my wrist when I try to grip something.”
2. “I think it was my fault.”
Admitting fault—even in casual conversation—can be detrimental to your injury claim. Determining liability is a legal process and should not be speculated on during a medical visit.
Instead, stick to the facts of what happened. Describe the incident without offering personal opinions about responsibility.
3. “I don’t need that treatment.”
Refusing recommended treatments or therapies can signal to insurance companies that your injuries are not serious. New Jersey law allows insurers to challenge claims where the injured party fails to follow medical advice (also known as failure to mitigate damages).
Even if you’re unsure about treatment, discuss your concerns with your doctor rather than outright refusing care.
4. “I have a history of similar issues.”
While honesty is important, volunteering too much information about pre-existing conditions can complicate your case. Insurance companies often use prior injuries to argue that your current pain is unrelated to the accident.
If you are asked about past injuries, answer truthfully but concisely. Let your doctor guide the discussion.
5. “I was distracted when it happened.”
Providing unnecessary details that suggest you were partially responsible can be used against you later. New Jersey follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, meaning that if you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
If your doctor asks how the injury happened, keep your response simple and factual:
- Instead of: “I wasn’t paying attention, and I tripped.”
- Say: “I tripped over an uneven sidewalk and fell.”
Why These Statements Can Harm Your Injury Claim
New Jersey has strict laws regarding personal injury claims, including comparative negligence rules and statutes of limitations. Any inconsistent statements or omissions in your medical records could:
- Be used against you by insurance adjusters to minimize your payout.
- Lead to claim denial if an insurer believes your injuries are unrelated to the incident.
- Reduce your compensation if they argue your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
New Jersey Statute of Limitations
In New Jersey, you have only two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (NJ Rev Stat § 2A:14-2). If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation.
Practical Tips for Communicating with Your Doctor
- Describe Symptoms Clearly – Use specific language instead of vague statements.
- Follow Medical Advice – Attend all follow-up appointments and complete prescribed treatments.
- Document Everything – Keep a journal of your symptoms, doctor visits, and treatments.
- Avoid Discussing Fault – Stick to the facts when describing how the injury happened.
- Limit Social Media Activity – Anything you post online can be used against you in court.
Notable New Jersey Case Highlight
A well-known New Jersey personal injury case involved a man suing Dunkin’ Donuts after suffering severe burns from a spilled cup of hot coffee. The lawsuit emphasized how businesses must take responsibility for customer safety. The case demonstrated the importance of medical documentation, as his hospital records proved the severity of his burns and helped secure compensation.
Steps to Take After an Injury in New Jersey
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should always come first. Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear (such as concussions or soft tissue damage).
2. Document Everything
- Take photos of your injuries and document the accident scene.
- Get copies of your medical records.
- Keep track of all doctor visits and treatments.
3. Speak to a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer
A lawyer can handle negotiations with insurance companies and ensure that your statements are properly recorded to avoid claim disputes.
For a Free Consultation, Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers
Navigating a personal injury claim can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Rosengard Law Group, our experienced New Jersey personal injury attorneys are here to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us today at (856) 284-6446 for a free consultation.
FAQs
What should I do if I said something wrong to my doctor?
If you believe you made an inaccurate statement to your doctor, correct it at your next appointment and inform your personal injury attorney. They may be able to clarify the issue in your claim.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey law, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit (NJ Rev Stat § 2A:14-2).
Can my social media activity hurt my personal injury case?
Yes. Insurance companies look for evidence online that contradicts injury claims. Avoid posting anything about your accident or physical activity until your case is resolved.
What if I had a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover compensation if your accident worsens a pre-existing condition. However, insurers may try to argue that your injuries are unrelated. A personal injury lawyer can help prove otherwise.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case.
Get a Free Consultation
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. By submitting, you agree to our
Privacy Policy.
