Why Treatment Timing and Documentation Matter
In an injury claim, you generally have to connect your symptoms and losses to the incident. Medical records are one of the main ways that connection gets shown. When there is a long break in care—or a missed visit with no explanation—an insurer may argue the injury resolved, was never serious, or was caused by something unrelated.
This is not about “perfect” treatment. It is about having a clear, believable timeline that matches what you report and what the records show.
Common Scenarios and What They Often Mean
- ER-only care: If you went once and did not follow up, the insurer may argue you were fine after the initial visit. If you had a reason you could not follow up right away (work schedule, transportation, cost, couldn’t get an appointment), documenting that reason can help.
- Gaps in care: A gap can create questions like: “Why did symptoms suddenly return?” or “What happened during the gap?” Clear notes, consistent reporting, and a straightforward explanation often matter.
- “Done with treatment” / plan changes: If your treatment plan changes, ends, or pauses, the insurer may treat that as a signal that you reached a stable point. That can affect how the claim is evaluated, especially if you later restart care.
Practical Documentation Tips (Non‑Medical)
- Write down the reason for the gap: Keep a simple note of what happened (couldn’t get an appointment, childcare, work conflict, illness, transportation, cost, etc.) and the dates.
- Track your timeline: Keep a list of appointment dates, cancellations, reschedules, and any work restrictions you were given (if any).
- Save paperwork: Keep visit summaries, work notes, and bills you receive. If you reschedule, keep the confirmation if you have it.
- Be consistent: When you describe symptoms in forms, emails, or claim communications, avoid overstating or minimizing. Inconsistencies are commonly used to challenge credibility.
- Mitigation issues can come up: Defendants sometimes argue an injured person failed to use reasonable care to limit damages. A missed appointment is not automatically “unreasonable,” but having a documented, practical explanation can reduce disputes.
How This Applies
Apply to your facts: Because you are still treating and have one appointment left, the main goal is to keep the end of your treatment timeline clear and well-documented. If you miss that remaining appointment or there is a delay before it happens, write down why, reschedule promptly if possible, and keep copies of any visit summaries or work notes you receive so the claim file reflects a consistent course of care.
What the Statutes Say (Optional)
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 – lists the three-year limitations period that commonly applies to negligence-based personal injury claims and explains when a claim generally accrues.
Conclusion
You can usually still pursue an injury claim in Durham even if you have a treatment gap or miss an appointment. The bigger issue is how the gap looks on paper—insurers often use it to argue the injury was not caused by the incident or was not serious. Keep a simple written explanation for any missed visit, save your documents, and consider speaking with a North Carolina personal injury attorney to protect the timeline and present a clear record.
