Mike’s Quick Answer
It depends on what the lawyer actually said and what the treating clinician recommends. Often a lawyer is emphasizing that medically appropriate care and follow-up create an accurate record and support recovery. A lawyer should not prescribe treatment or tell a client to undergo care solely to increase a claim.
Medical Need Comes First
Whether to continue, change, pause, or stop treatment is a medical decision for the patient and a licensed physician or other qualified provider. A legal claim should not dictate unnecessary care.
If care is not helping, side effects occur, transportation is difficult, or a recommendation is unclear, discuss that directly with the treating professional. A patient may also ask about another qualified medical opinion.
Why Gaps Draw Insurance Questions
Insurers commonly argue that a long unexplained gap means the injury improved, treatment was not needed, or later complaints came from something else. That is an argument, not an automatic conclusion.
There can be valid reasons for a gap, including PIP authorization disputes, provider availability, illness, work, caregiving, transportation, cost, or a physician's direction. The reason should be documented honestly rather than reconstructed later.
The Lawyer's Proper Role
A lawyer can help with PIP paperwork, obtain records, identify missing documentation, and explain how insurers evaluate treatment history. The lawyer can also coordinate legal deadlines while the medical professionals address diagnosis and care.
Ask for clarification if the phrase keep treating sounds like a quota. The better question is whether the recommended care is medically appropriate and whether the record accurately reflects what is happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will more treatment automatically make my case worth more?
It depends on the evidence, but often it will not. Unnecessary, repetitive, or unsupported care can create credibility issues. Insurers focus on medical need, causation, consistency, outcome, and policy limits.
What if I cannot afford or reach treatment?
It depends on the available benefits and providers. Tell your doctor and lawyer promptly. There may be billing, transportation, scheduling, or coverage issues to investigate, but no particular solution can be promised.
Sources and Further Reading
Important
This article provides general New Jersey information and is not legal advice. Every matter depends on its facts, policy language, deadlines, and applicable law. Medical questions should be discussed with a licensed physician. Tax questions should be discussed with a qualified tax professional.