Medical records in personal injury cases are the foundation of a solid claim. You need strong evidence to support a claim for compensation, and your medical records can verify the existence of an injury and its connection to the accident that hurt you. You can’t win a personal injury case without compelling evidence, and medical records are the starting point.
Why Medical Records Matter in Personal Injury Cases
Medical records serve several key roles in personal injury cases. First, they document that you suffered an actual injury. Your medical records will state your diagnosis, medical treatment given and recommended, and your prognosis. These notes establish the types of injuries you sustained and their severity. They are also essential to show insurance companies that your treatments are reasonable, necessary, and should be covered.
Finally, your medical records can link your injury directly to the incident or accident that harmed you. Let’s say you reported being in a rear-end collision to your doctor. If you later get diagnosed with whiplash, your physician’s notes can reflect the link to the crash in your medical history.
Types of Medical Records That Impact Personal Injury Claims
Various types of medical records are used as personal injury evidence. Useful records include:
- Emergency room reports explaining your medical status upon arrival at the hospital
- Medical images, such as X-rays and MRI scans, to show the extent of internal damage caused by the accident
- Diagnostic test results detailing your injuries, symptoms, and physical losses resulting from your injuries
- Medical treatment plans outlining the medical care your doctor(s) believe will best help your recovery
- Surgical reports showing the procedures you needed to correct bodily injuries and improve your prognosis
The Importance of Immediate Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Even if you feel fine, you should get an examination by a medical professional after a car crash, a slip and fall, a blow to the head, or any other incident. You may have hidden injuries.
Immediate medical attention also creates a paper trail of the incident and can prevent the insurance company from claiming that your injuries aren’t serious or the result of the accident.
Steps to Take to Ensure Your Medical Records Are Properly Managed
Because medical records for personal injury cases are so crucial, you should take steps to ensure nothing happens to them. Request copies for any and all treatments you received, including physical therapy and other rehabilitation services you needed. Keep them in a folder in chronological order.
Don’t worry if your injuries make it hard to collect your medical records. Your personal lawyer can also obtain copies of your records as needed.
Contact Our Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyers
If you suffered injuries someone else caused in Madison, Jefferson, Milwaukee, or South Central Wisconsin, contact LawtonCates for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Our law firm has been serving Wisconsin residents for nearly 70 years, and we work aggressively for the best possible result in every case.
No case is too big or too small when it comes to pursuing justice. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
