Should I Go to Barnes-Jewish or Mercy South After a Crash?
At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we represent individuals who have been injured in car accidents throughout the St. Louis region. Our firm focuses on helping people navigate the medical and legal steps that follow a crash. One of the first decisions someone must make after an accident is where to go for medical care. It affects not only your health but also your ability to pursue compensation.
Getting medical attention immediately is essential. Even if you feel fine, you may have injuries that are not visible or noticeable right away. Waiting too long can lead to complications and make it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. The question many people ask is whether to go to Barnes-Jewish Hospital or Mercy South Hospital. Both are respected hospitals in the area, but they offer different experiences and services.
Why Immediate Medical Attention Matters After a Crash
After a car accident, it is common to feel confused or overwhelmed. Some may not realize they are injured. Others may think their symptoms are minor and will go away, but injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal damage can be serious even if they do not cause pain right away. That is why it is important to be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
The body often reacts to trauma by releasing chemicals that mask pain. You might feel fine at first, only to experience discomfort hours later. A medical exam helps identify injuries early and allows doctors to begin treatment before complications develop. It also creates a record that shows your condition right after the accident. That record is important if you decide to take legal action.
Insurance companies look closely at how quickly someone seeks treatment. If there is a delay, they may argue that the injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. Getting care immediately helps protect your health and strengthens your case. It shows that you took the incident seriously and followed the right steps.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Overview
Barnes-Jewish Hospital is located in the heart of St. Louis. It is close to downtown and easy to reach from many parts of the city. If your accident happens near the center of town or along major roads, this hospital may be the most convenient option. Getting crash treatment at Barnes-Jewish means victims get access to advanced care and a wide range of specialists.
This hospital is a Level 1 Trauma Center, meaning it is equipped to handle the most severe injuries. It has departments for neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and critical care. These services are important for patients who have head injuries, broken bones, or internal damage. The hospital also works with Washington University, which gives patients access to doctors with advanced training and experience.
However, keep in mind that Barnes-Jewish is a large hospital, and its emergency room often has many patients. That can lead to longer wait times, especially during busy hours. While the care is high quality, patients may spend more time in the waiting room before being seen.
Mercy Hospital Overview
Mercy South Hospital is located in South St. Louis County. It is a good choice for people who live in the southern suburbs or are involved in accidents along Interstate 55. For those in that part of the city, the hospital is easier to reach and may offer faster care.
A visit to the Mercy South hospital after a crash is often the choice of patients who need emergency treatment but do not require the highest level of trauma care. It is a Level 2 Trauma Center, which means it can handle most serious injuries. In cases where more advanced care is needed, patients may be transferred to another more specialized hospital.
Mercy South offers services like orthopedic care, imaging, and emergency surgery, which are all important for treating crash injuries. The hospital is known for its suburban setting and may have fewer patients in the emergency room at certain times. This can lead to shorter wait times and a calmer environment.
Key Factors When Choosing Between the Two
Choosing a hospital after a crash depends on several things. One of the most important is how close the hospital is to the accident site. In serious cases, getting to the emergency room quickly can save lives. If you are near downtown, Barnes-Jewish may be the better choice. If you are in the southern part of the city, Mercy South may be closer.
Another factor is the level of trauma care. Barnes-Jewish offers Level 1 services, which means it can treat the most complex injuries. Mercy South is Level 2, which is still strong but may not be enough for the most critical cases. If you have symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of head trauma, you may need the higher level of care.
Specialized departments also matter. If you need spinal fusion or heart surgery, Barnes-Jewish may have more options. If your injuries are less severe, Mercy South may be able to treat you quickly and effectively. Wait times in the emergency room can vary, so it is helpful to consider how busy each hospital might be. Insurance coverage is another issue since some plans work better with certain hospitals. Checking your coverage before you go can help avoid surprise bills.
How Hipskind & McAninch, LLC Helps After You Get Care
Once you have been treated, our firm steps in to help with the legal side of your recovery. We work with clients to gather medical records, test results, and discharge papers. These documents are important for building a strong case. They show how the accident affected your health and what treatment you received in Louis County.
We also deal with insurance companies. This allows our clients to focus on healing while we handle the paperwork and phone calls. Insurance adjusters may try to reduce payouts, but we fight to make sure you get fair compensation. This includes money for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to the accident.
The hospital choice after a St. Louis crash can affect your legal claim. Different hospitals may charge different rates, and the type of care you receive can change the total cost. We help clients understand how these factors affect their case and what steps to take to recover those costs. Our team will be glad to help you through the recovery process, including how to protect your case and make sure you are doing everything needed to support your claim.
After a crash, it is most important to get medical help right away. Whether you go to Barnes-Jewish or Mercy South depends on where the accident happened, how serious your injuries are, and how quickly you can get to the hospital. Both hospitals can help you recover, but the right choice depends on your situation. At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we are here to help you make that decision and guide you through the legal steps that follow. To learn more and take action, please contact us.
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