Houston Texas Jury Instruction — 1.3 Duty to Mitigate in General Pursuing Medical Care In a Texas court, the Houston Texas Jury Instruction — 1.3 Duty to Mitigate In General Pursuing Medical Care is a crucial legal instruction that pertains to personal injury cases. This instruction emphasizes the responsibility of the injured party to mitigate their damages by seeking necessary medical care and treatment promptly. By doing so, the injured party can minimize the impact of their injuries and prevent them from worsening or becoming more severe. It is important to note that this duty to mitigate is applicable to all types of personal injury cases, from car accidents to slip and falls, workplace injuries, or medical malpractice. Regardless of the nature of the incident, the injured party has a general duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate their damages by seeking necessary medical care. Failure to mitigate damages can significantly impact the injured party's ability to recover compensation for their injuries. If it can be proven that the injured party did not pursue medical care promptly or neglected to seek appropriate treatment, the opposing party may argue that any subsequent worsening of their condition is the result of the injured party's own negligence. As a result, the injured party's potential compensation may be reduced or even barred entirely. Furthermore, this duty to mitigate also extends to the injured party's obligation to follow their healthcare provider's advice and adhere to the prescribed treatment plan. Once medical care has been sought, it is crucial for the injured party to actively participate in their own recovery by attending appointments, following rehabilitation programs, taking prescribed medications, and adhering to any other necessary treatment recommendations. Failure to do so may be used against the injured party in court, potentially diminishing their claim for damages. It is worth noting that while the duty to mitigate is a general principle applicable to all personal injury cases, there may be specific instructions tailored to different types of cases that elaborate on this duty. For example, in a medical malpractice case, the Houston Texas Jury Instruction — 1.3 Duty to Mitigate In General Pursuing Medical Care may be further clarified to include specific medical procedures or treatments that the injured party should have pursued to mitigate their damages. In summary, the Houston Texas Jury Instruction — 1.3 Duty to Mitigate In General Pursuing Medical Care is a vital legal instruction that underscores the injured party's responsibility to promptly seek necessary medical care and follow through with recommended treatments. Failure to fulfill this duty may adversely impact the injured party's potential compensation in a personal injury case.