When it comes to personal injury claims, the goal is to obtain fair compensation for the injuries and damages sustained due to another party’s negligence. Medical records serve as critical evidence in these cases.
They document the extent of injuries, the necessary treatments, and the overall impact on the victim’s quality of life. We delve into the primary reasons why medical records are so crucial in a personal injury claim.
Comprehensive Documentation
Medical records provide a detailed account of the injuries sustained. From initial emergency room visits to follow-up appointments, these documents offer comprehensive information on:
- Type of injuries: Fractures, lacerations, internal injuries, etc.
- Severity: Diagnoses, prognoses, and required treatments.
- Progress: Healing trajectory, complications, and recovery times.
Corroborating Evidence
In a personal injury claim, both the claimant and the insurance company need concrete proof of the injuries. Medical records serve as corroborative evidence, verifying the plaintiff’s claims about the injuries sustained and their severity.
Proving Causation
Medical records help establish a direct link between the injury and the event causing it. For example, if the claimant received immediate medical attention after a car accident, the records from that visit would be critical in showing the injuries were a direct result of the accident.
Eliminating Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance companies often attempt to argue that the claimant’s injuries were pre-existing or occurred due to other activities. Medical records provide a timeline of the claimant’s health, demonstrating whether the injuries were indeed caused by the incident in question.
Recoverable Damages
According to the Milwaukee injury lawyers at Cannon & Dunphy S.C., you can recover economic and noneconomic damages from a personal injury case:
Economic Damages
Medical expenses are one of the most quantifiable aspects of damages in a personal injury claim. These expenses can include:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
Receipts, bills, and treatment plans detailed in medical records are used to calculate the economic damages accurately.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the more subjective aspects, such as pain and suffering. Medical records assist in substantiating claims for these damages by providing professional assessments of the physical and emotional toll of the injuries.
Testimonials from healthcare providers about the patient’s pain levels and mental health status can be incredibly persuasive.
Supporting Expert Testimony
Medical experts often use medical records to assess and provide opinions on the claimant’s condition. These experts rely on detailed medical histories to make their evaluations, which can be crucial in proving the severity and long-term impact of the injuries.
Maintaining Credibility
Consistency in medical records helps maintain the claimant’s credibility. Any discrepancies between what the claimant reports and what is documented by healthcare providers can be detrimental to the case.
Thorough, accurate records ensure that the claimant’s descriptions of their injuries and experiences align with medical documentation.
Avoiding Disputes
Accurate and detailed medical records can prevent disputes about the extent and nature of the injuries. When everything is meticulously documented and corroborated by medical professionals, there is less room for the defense to argue against the claims.
Medical records are not just bureaucratic paperwork; they are the backbone of any personal injury claim. From proving causation to detailing the extent of injuries and calculating damages, medical records provide the essential information needed to build a strong, evidence-based case.
They help victims secure fair compensation and uphold the integrity of the legal process. Therefore, individuals involved in personal injury claims should prioritize obtaining and maintaining comprehensive medical records to support their claims effectively.
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