Whether you have slipped and fell, got into a car accident, or were injured by the negligence of someone else you may have a personal injury case. When you have suffered an injury due to an accident, the aftermath and changes of your life can be overwhelming. Between balancing your day to day routine, dealing with pain, navigating insurance claims, and trying to recover, it is very easy to overlook some of the more critical aspects of your personal injury case.
One part of a personal injury case that is easy to overlook is the importance of medical records. Medical records are documents that are absolutely essential to your case as they substantiate your injuries, demonstrate the extent of damages the injuries have caused, and are the primary piece of evidence that an insurance company will look through when determining the value of your case. As Utah personal injury lawyers we understand the importance of medical records in a case, and in this article we aim to shed light on why they are so integral to your case.
Why Medical Records Matter
Evidence of Injury:
A personal injury case is completely reliant on the evidence of your case. This evidence can include the damage that may have been done to your vehicle, or the information that was written in a police report about your accident. However, the most important piece of information for your case is your medical records. Medical documentation provides an insurance company with tangible proof of your injuries. These documents detail everything, from your initial diagnosis, to the treatments that you attended, as well as any estimates on any future medical care you will need. A personal injury case is all about establishing proof that your injuries came from the accident, and your records are the best way of proving this.
Establishing the Severity of Injuries:
The amount of money that you can receive from your case is typically a direct result of the injuries you have suffered from, and how severe they are. Medical records help to establish the severity of these injuries as they include information about the nature of your injuries as well as the extent of how life altering they might be.
Linking Injuries to the Accident:
One part of a personal injury case that is often fought over is linking your injuries to the accident that caused them. Insurance companies will analyze your documents to make sure that your injuries came from this accident and that you are not claiming any pre-existing injuries or ailments. Medical records can establish the direct link between the accident to your injuries and act as a timeline of your recovery process. These records show that you sought medical attention promptly, which helps to strengthen your case by demonstrating that the injuries were not pre-existing or caused by any other events.
Documenting Treatment and Recovery:
Personal injury cases often involve claims that are made during ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy. Medical records document the treatments that you have undergone and the progress that you have made over time. This information is vital for proving the need for any future medical care as well as helpful in calculating the cost of future medical expenses.
Support Expert Testimony:
If your personal injury case goes to litigation, your Utah personal injury lawyer may reach out to a medical professional to provide expert testimony for your case. These expert’s will explain the intensity of your injuries as well as how they have impacted your life (missing work, lack of mobility etc.). Your medical records act as the foundation that an expert witness can build their testimony upon, and the more detailed your records are the better they can represent the severity of your injuries.
How to Ensure Detailed Medical Records
With how important medical records are for your injury case, what can you do to ensure that your records are the best for your case? Consider taking the following steps to get the best possible medical records for your injury claim:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: If you were involved in an accident make sure that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think that your injuries are minor. The sooner that you seek medical attention the sooner your medical treatment will start being documented. Seeking medical treatment early on in your case creates a timely record of your injuries and can directly tie them to the accident.
Follow Through with Treatment Plans: It is crucial to your case that you adhere to the treatment plan that your doctor sets forth for you. Following through with your treatment not only aids in your recovery, but it also demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries and your desire to recover to an insurance company. An insurance company will try their hardest to devalue your case, and missing treatment or not finishing your treatment can be used against you to argue that the injuries you received were not as severe as you claimed.
Communicate Openly With Your Healthcare Providers: In order to have a successful case you must be honest and open with your health care providers. When you speak with a doctor make sure that you are honest and thorough when you are describing your pain levels, symptoms, and how the injury has affected your daily life. The more detailed your description is the more detailed the records of your pain and suffering will be. Detailed records help to paint a picture of your injuries to insurance providers and illustrate the lengths you have gone to recover.
Medical records are the backbone of any personal injury case. These documents act as the primary evidence for your case and help to prove the severity of the injuries that you have suffered from as well as link these injuries directly to the accident. By ensuring your records are thorough and accurate to what you have suffered from, you have strengthened your case.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident it is essential that you work closely with your healthcare professional and reach out to a skilled Utah personal injury attorney. Here at LifeLaw Personal Injury our team of skilled Utah personal injury lawyers know the importance that medical records play in your case and will ensure that your records reflect the true extent of your injuries and the impact that they have on your life. If you were hurt by the negligence of someone else, call the legal experts at LifeLaw Personal Injury. Our team will work tirelessly on your case so you can focus on what is really important, your recovery. Give us a call today for a free consultation, and to discuss your options.