Why Medical Records Matter in an Injury Claim
Medical records document the nature, extent, and treatment of your injuries. They are the primary evidence connecting the accident to your harm and establishing your damages.
Informational purposes only. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. If you need advice about your specific situation, consider speaking with a licensed attorney.
## Short Answer
Medical records are the cornerstone of a personal injury claim. They document your injuries, connect them to the accident, and establish the financial value of your damages. Without them, proving your claim becomes very difficult.
What Medical Records Establish
Causation: Medical records that document your injuries shortly after an accident support the claim that those injuries resulted from the accident. A long gap between the accident and first medical treatment gives insurers grounds to argue your injuries are unrelated.
Severity: Records documenting the type, extent, and duration of your injuries help establish the seriousness of your claim and support non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Damages: Medical bills attached to your records establish the economic value of your treatment.
What Medical Records to Collect
Emergency room or urgent care records from immediately after the accident. Records from all follow-up visits, specialist consultations, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, and mental health counseling if applicable. Diagnostic test results including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Prescription records. All medical bills and insurance explanations of benefits.
Common Mistakes That Affect Claims
Delaying treatment: If you wait several days or weeks to see a doctor, insurers may argue your injuries were not caused by the accident or were not serious.
Inconsistent medical history: Contradictions between what you told doctors and what you tell the insurance adjuster can undermine your claim.
Not completing treatment: Stopping treatment before your doctor releases you can suggest your injuries were not as serious as claimed.
Requesting Your Records
You have a legal right to obtain copies of your medical records. Contact each provider's medical records department. There may be a fee. Some providers allow electronic access through patient portals.
---
*This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.*
Informational purposes only. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. If you need advice about your specific situation, consider speaking with a licensed attorney.