Q: What if you can not afford a doctor to continue treatment after your mri reveals severe impairments ?

A: While you do not mention it in your question, you should immediately retain an experienced personal injury attorney. From reading your question, I am reminded of the adage that "a little knowledge is dangerous". You reference medical terms but I suspect you don't really know what they mean.

An attorney will immediately determine what coverage is available to help pay for your medical bills, whether it be your PIP benefits, the liability coverage of the at fault driver, and your own uninsured/underinderinsured motorist coverage which I hope you have available. All medical records and bills need to be acquired, along with your doctors' opinions regarding what your future medical costs and wage loss will be.

When looking or an attorney, make sure he or she has extensive trial experience. Insurance companies DO look at that when deciding whether to make a reasonable settlement offer or simply force the case into litigation.

Good Luck,

Robert Heyman

A: You can still qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) even if you can't afford medical care. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the severity of your impairments based on your existing medical records, including your MRI results, which show severe musculoskeletal impairments.

First, gather all your medical documentation, including MRI results and any other medical records you have. This documentation is critical to demonstrate the severity of your condition and how it prevents you from working. If you haven't already, apply for SSDI or SSI through the SSA website or at a local SSA office.

If you lack recent medical records due to financial constraints, explain this in your application. The SSA may arrange for a consultative examination at their expense to evaluate your condition. Additionally, seek assistance from local social services or nonprofit organizations that may offer medical support or help with your application process. Your documented impairments should be sufficient to qualify you for benefits based on the SSA's listings.