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The Importance of Medical Records in Personal Injury Claims

Submitted by rtg on

Have you been injured in an accident someone else caused? If so, you may be eligible for financial compensation.

In addition, in some instances, you’re eligible for compensation even if you can’t prove someone else caused your injuries. An example would be if you were hurt in a car crash in a state that uses no-fault car crash insurance rules.

You may submit a personal injury claim to an insurance company to seek compensation for medical bills and related losses in these circumstances. It is vital to include medical records with your claim.

Forming a Strong Case

Medical evidence can show the severity of your injuries. In some instances, it can also help demonstrate how you were injured. Showing what caused your injuries could help show negligence.

Other potential forms of evidence that may strengthen a personal injury claim include:

Those are just a few examples. You may not have to gather all the necessary evidence yourself. A personal injury lawyer could assist you in putting together a strong claim.

Immediate Actions

Seeing a doctor immediately after being involved in an accident is always smart. Even if you don’t feel injured, you might have sustained an injury without knowing it. Seeing a doctor right away will demonstrate your claim is credible.

Keep records of your initial medical visits. You need to be able to show an insurance company you took the matter seriously and sought care right away after an accident.

Types of Medical Records Relevant to Personal Injury Cases

The types of medical records and medical evidence you may include with a personal injury claim can vary depending on the nature of your injuries. Common examples of such records include:

  • All records of hospital visits and other medical visits
  • Doctors’ notes
  • Diagnostic test results
  • Recommended treatment plans

It is always best to err on the side of caution when putting together a personal injury claim. If you undergo any form of care, even if it merely involves a quick visit with a physician, request a copy of your records accordingly.

Medical Records as Evidence

Medical records can serve as evidence in a personal injury case in a variety of ways. First, they can show how you incurred certain expenses for medical care as a result of your injuries.

A personal injury lawyer may also reference medical records when calculating pain and suffering damages. By providing evidence illustrating the severity of your injuries, you can show why you may deserve a certain amount of compensation. However, it’s important to know that a lawyer can never promise you will receive a specific payout when your case is resolved.

Seeking Legal Guidance

Gathering medical evidence is just one step in the process of submitting a thorough personal injury claim. One way to simplify the process—and potentially improve your chances of receiving the compensation for which you’re eligible—is to hire a personal injury lawyer. Learn more by taking the Free Case Evaluation today to speak with an independent, participating lawyer who subscribes to this website.