The hospital visit is just the beginning. What follows are weeks, sometimes even months, of follow-up treatments, medical appointments, and physical therapy. Beyond healing, these medical records serve another purpose: they create a record of your injuries, proving their severity and direct link to the accident.
Without this documentation, an insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t that bad or were not caused by the accident. That’s why documentation is essential.
“I’ve seen strong cases fall apart simply because a client didn’t follow up on medical treatment. Gaps in care or missing medical records give insurance companies the perfect excuse to minimize or deny a claim,” says Eric H. Weitz of The Weitz Firm, LLC.
This article will explain the role of medical records in a personal injury case, how they strengthen your claim, and how you can ensure these records work in your favor.
Table of Contents
Why Medical Records Matter in a Personal Injury Case
You know you’re injured. Your body does, too; you can feel the pain, you’ve seen doctors and gone through treatment. But without medical records, none of that exists in the eyes of opposing counsel and their insurer, because your claim isn’t about what you say happened. It’s about what you can prove.
Here is why medical documentation is essential:
What Medical Records Are Essential for Your Claim?
So, what medical records should you hold onto, and which ones aren’t worth saving? The short answer is you should keep everything because every piece of information adds another piece to the puzzle.
Here are a few examples of critical medical records:
How an Attorney Helps Gather and Use Medical Records
Medical records alone don’t guarantee a fair settlement. Insurance companies know how to twist information, so it’s essential to have an attorney interpret, organize, and present it.
Insurance companies look for any excuse to devalue or deny your claim, and missing medical records provide them with the perfect opportunity. A good lawyer will help you ensure that every document is collected and submitted correctly.
These legal representatives also understand the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts. They will oppose bad-faith practices and work to ensure that all records are presented effectively while preventing unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured, your medical records will tell the story of your accident, but only if they’re complete, accurate, and properly used. Missing documentation, delayed treatment, or misfiled paperwork can jeopardize your claim. Speak to a lawyer to ensure your medical records help secure the compensation you need to recover fully.
