Many accident victims – whether injured at work or in public spaces – are unaware of their right to comprehensive medical care. U.S. law guarantees every patient access to treatment and rehabilitation following an accident, regardless of their employment or immigration status. This is especially important for those with an irregular immigration status.
Lack of Patient Awareness and System Limitations
Dr. Dariusz Nasiek notes that the insurance system can be confusing, often leaving patients without complete information about available treatment options. This lack of knowledge may worsen health conditions and limit the chances for a full recovery.
Dr. Dariusz Nasiek emphasizes that every injured individual has the right to treatment. Regulations clearly state that any worker injured in a workplace accident, on the street, or in a car crash is entitled to medical care—even if employed “under the table” or without a legal immigration status. Once work begins, an employment relationship is established even without a formal contract. Even undocumented workers are eligible for health benefits and accident insurance. Cost should never be a barrier. Every patient, regardless of legal status, deserves essential medical assistance. Emergency care and treatment must be provided immediately in workplace accidents or car collisions, with financial issues addressed by insurance regulations.
Guaranteed Medical Care
According to Dr. Nasiek, no patient should be left without care due to a lack of insurance. Comprehensive medical services are mandated by law. The social insurance system and labor regulations ensure a broad range of benefits for accident victims—from first aid and treatment to rehabilitation and support in cases of permanent disability.
Unfortunately, many patients are unaware of the full extent of their rights, often focusing solely on immediate care without realizing that they are also entitled to long-term rehabilitation and access to advanced treatment methods funded by public resources.
Challenges in the Insurance System
In an ideal scenario, doctors and employers would inform accident victims of their rights. However, the current insurance system is often too complex and opaque. Insurance companies may not provide full details about the treatment options available. Dr. Nasiek points out that potential conflicts of interest exist; the longer a patient requires care, the higher the costs for the insurer. In some cases, doctors who work with insurance companies downplay the extent of injuries or shorten the recommended rehabilitation period. Decisions by insurance-appointed doctors sometimes work against patients' best interests, raising suspicions that their primary goal is to limit compensation payouts.
The Role of Independent Doctors
Independent doctors—not affiliated with insurance companies—play a crucial role. They provide patients with complete and objective information about all available treatment options. Dr. Nasiek stresses that a doctor must inform a patient of every alternative therapy, even if that method is not available at their facility. This ensures patients know modern, specialized treatments that could significantly improve their health. In practice, however, many injured individuals only learn about essential, standard options. Obtaining a second medical opinion or consulting an independent doctor is critical.
Improving Patient Information
Accident victims' experiences show that a lack of information about their rights can lead to serious health and financial consequences. Many individuals who suffer accidents feel lost and abandoned when navigating insurance procedures. There is a pressing need for reforms that allow accident victims to exercise their rights fully. Increasing patient awareness, promoting the idea of a second medical opinion, and ensuring access to independent medical consultations from the first encounter with the healthcare system are key.
When patients are fully informed about their health status and available treatment options, they can make the best decisions for their recovery. Ultimately, the healthcare system should serve the patient by providing reliable information, comprehensive treatment, and effective rehabilitation that helps them regain full functionality.
Serving NJ & NY Accident Victims
With eight offices across New Jersey and New York, our practice ensures that every accident victim receives the treatment they deserve—regardless of their employment or immigration status. We focus on delivering specialized post-accident care and personal injury treatment, ensuring your rights are upheld and your recovery is prioritized.
Contact us today for expert, independent medical consultation after a personal injury and learn more about your rights to comprehensive care in NJ and NY.
