Getting Medical Treatment When Injured During Coronavirus

Posted on behalf of Pfeifer Morgan & Stesiak

on March 31, 2020

. Updated on March 23, 2022

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medical professionals with masksYour first priority should always be to protect your health. You may have many questions about the best way to do this during the deadly COVID-19 outbreak, especially if you are in an accident involving another’s negligence.

Pfeifer, Morgan and Stesiak discuss where you can seek treatment for injuries and when you should involve first responders or the police after an accident.

When Should You Call 9-1-1?

Using common sense is the best policy here. If you or a loved one suffer a medical emergency, such as a heart attack, there is not even a question of contacting 9-1-1 for urgent care. Today’s responders are outfitted with personal protective equipment (PPE) and are trained to handle medical emergencies under difficult situations, even amid coronavirus.

While most states have comprehensive restrictions in place, people can still get injured in a car accident while going to get groceries or other essential items. For truly minor situations, it may be sufficient to take pictures of the scene, document any important details describing what happened and exchange contact information with the other party.

However, in any situation involving more than minor injuries, it is still best to call the police to report the accident and get first responders on the scene. Serious harm, including internal bleeding, organ damage or a traumatic brain injury, can happen in a slip and fall incident, a car crash or just doing a DIY project around the house. Many injuries, like these, may be life-threatening but may not always be visible.

Where to Get Medical Care?

There are multiple options available during the coronavirus pandemic, and you should make the decision that best suits your immediate needs, including:

Emergency Room

For serious injuries, your local emergency room is still a good first choice. You may have concerns about being exposed to coronavirus in this type of environment, but hospitals are best equipped to handle medical emergencies amid the pandemic.

Hospital workers are outfitted with PPE, but to protect yourself in an emergency room, you can also follow these ongoing safety recommendations:

  • Wear gloves and a face mask
  • Keep at least six feet away from other injured/sick patients in the waiting area
  • Keep your hands away from your face

Urgent Care Centers

If your injuries appear to be less serious, going to an urgent care facility can be another alternative. However, it is best to call ahead to make sure the facility closest to you is still open and if so, whether there are limited hours or treatment options.

Online Virtual Care

Many hospitals and physician practices offer their own 24/7 virtual care services. Additionally, many healthcare providers, such as Aetna, Humana and Blue Shield, are offering free telehealth services for the next couple of months. Visit your provider’s website or contact them by phone to learn what virtual services may be provided and whether there is any cost to you.

Virtual care can handle multiple types of medical situations including, but not limited to:

  • Seasonal allergies
  • Bladder or Urinary Tract Infections
  • Arthritis pain management
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Sprain and strains
  • Respiratory infections
  • Sore throats
  • General infections
  • Rashes
  • Bronchitis
  • Cold Symptoms
  • Sport injuries

Contact One of Our Trusted Attorneys For Help

If you have suffered an injury due to a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite or another personal injury, it is still important to get the treatment you need. If your injury is due to another’s negligence, our experienced South Bend personal injury lawyers are here to help, even during the COVID-19 outbreak.

At Pfeifer, Morgan and Stesiak, we recognize that our legal services are still needed, even during this pandemic, but we also want to help you to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. For this reason, we offer our secure online injury claim services, which allow us to consult, process and fully manage your claim from the safety of your home.

Contact our firm 24/7 by online chat or by phone at: (844) 678-1800 to learn more.

Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak

Serious Attorneys for Serious Cases