How Medical Records Can Make or Break Your Personal Injury Case
When you’re injured in an accident, your medical records are an incredibly important aspect of your injury case. These documents show exactly what injuries you suffered and how your life has changed since the accident. Understanding which records to use and how to gather them is an important part of your claim.
How medical records strengthen your claim
When you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, medical records can help show why you deserve compensation. They do more than just confirm you visited the doctor. Here’s how they can help you with your claim:
Establishing injury severity
Medical records provide a clear picture of how badly you’ve been hurt. They include doctor notes about your diagnoses, which tests and scans were ordered, and details from your treatment plans. Imaging, like X-rays and MRIs, helps show if there are broken bones, internal injuries, or anything beneath the surface that a judge or adjuster can’t see. The information also explains if your injury will likely heal fast, or if you’re looking at long-term pain or problems.
Linking your injury to the accident
Another way medical records strengthen your claim is by connecting your injuries to the specific incident. The timeline found in these records tells a story – when you went to seek help, what symptoms you reported, and how these issues fit with the date of the accident. Specialists and doctors take notes, tracking everything from your first hospital visit to your follow-up care.
Demonstrating recovery costs
Being hurt comes with bills for doctor visits, medication, and transportation, as well as rehab and therapy that could last far into the future. Medical records provide solid evidence of procedures, prescriptions, and all the services you used or still need. These details can also be used to estimate costs down the road if your injuries require ongoing treatment or stop you from returning to work.
Strong medical documentation from your doctors helps to prove your damages.
Common problems with medical records that can weaken your personal injury case
Medical records can be some of the most powerful evidence in an injury case. At the same time, there are also aspects of your records that could significantly hurt your case if you aren’t careful. Here are some things to consider:
Gaps in treatment
Whenever someone skips doctor appointments or waits a long time between visits, insurers may start to doubt how hurt the person is. These missed appointments can suggest to claims adjusters that your pain or injuries must not be that severe.
Reasons for missing an appointment often do not get included in the notes, so the paperwork just looks like you were not making your recovery a priority. Adjusters will then try to argue that you did not seem bothered enough by the injury to follow the doctor’s orders.
Inconsistent records
Sometimes, you get care from more than one doctor, or you may go to urgent care and follow up elsewhere. If these providers write different details about your pain, abilities, or how an injury happened, the record can look full of contradictions. Insurance companies are constantly scanning medical notes, hoping to spot conflicting details.
Pre-existing conditions
People often have prior injuries or ongoing pain, such as old back injuries or arthritis. Insurance companies love to blame new symptoms on old medical problems if the paperwork allows them that chance.
If the records from day one do not give good details about how this new injury feels different or is clearly linked to the recent event, insurers often try to say that nothing “new” has happened. A lack of documentation tying symptoms directly to the recent accident can be all they need to reject or lower your payout.
Having organized, clear medical paperwork paints a much stronger story for your injury case.
Tips for optimizing your medical evidence
Making your medical evidence as clear and thorough as possible can make a real difference if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim. Simple steps, taken early, can shape how insurance companies and the court see your story. Here’s how to protect yourself and give your claim real support.
Seek prompt medical attention after an accident
After any accident, whether it’s a car collision or a slip and fall, don’t wait to see a doctor. Even if you feel your injuries aren’t serious, getting checked out immediately can ensure nothing gets missed.
Waiting to seek care can look like the injury wasn’t as serious, and that can be used against you. Starting care quickly also reduces the risk of worsening your injury.
Follow all treatment plans and attend appointments consistently
When your doctor tells you to follow a treatment plan or attend physical therapy, keep up with these appointments as much as possible. Skipping visits, even for understandable reasons, can be noted in your medical records. If you’re unable to make an appointment, ask your medical provider if they’ll make a note in your chart about why you had to miss or reschedule. Don’t just skip appointments without any communication.
Keep a personal injury journal of symptoms and limitations
Write down your daily pain levels, sleep problems, what tasks you struggled with, and emotions tied to your recovery. If your injury kept you from seeing friends, missing work, or unable to enjoy hobbies, explain this specifically.
It can be difficult to recall every detail of what happened, especially once time has passed. Writing things down while events are still fresh helps you keep track of important facts and your feelings. These notes can support your memory when you talk to insurance adjusters or have to share your story in court.
Inform doctors of all accident-related symptoms, even if they seem minor
No complaint is too small. Be specific when you tell your healthcare providers about where you hurt or any changes you experience. Don’t brush off aches, dizziness, or stress. If something started right after the accident, even if it improves by the time of your appointment, mention it during your medical visits. Your doctor will document what you say. That written record can connect all parts of your injury to the accident, adding another layer of support for your claim.
Request copies of records regularly for your lawyer to review
Don’t count on your medical office to automatically send needed paperwork. Ask for copies of records at each stage of your treatment. Keep track of every lab result, doctor’s note, imaging scan, and medical bill.
Don’t post on social media while your case is ongoing
Don’t share details about your injury or treatment on social media. Insurance companies and defense lawyers often check Facebook, Instagram, and other sites for posts that could call your injury or medical story into question. Even a simple photo out with friends can get misinterpreted and hurt your claim. Your best bet is to just not post on social media at all until your case is over.
Ultimately, medical records will be one of the most essential parts of your case. While there are steps you can take to strengthen your claim, it’s just as important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible for help. Our team has decades of experience and has recovered millions of dollars for injured victims. Let us help you with your claim. Contact The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.