The Importance Of Medical Records: How Crucial Medical Records Are In Proving Personal Injury Claims

Medical records are perhaps one of the most important pieces of evidence in any personal injury claim. By providing an official account of the injuries that occurred, when it happened, what the cause was, and the treatment received, medical records are a significant counter to any of the defense’s attempts to undermine the credibility of a personal injury claim. It becomes extremely difficult to prove the validity of a claim without accurate and comprehensive medical records and get the compensation you may be legally entitled to for the injuries you sustained. 

Why Medical Records Are Critical In Building A Personal Injury Claim

• To establish the basis of the claim: Personal injury claims are built on medical records. They offer a comprehensive account of the sustained injuries and substantiate the severity and existence of the injuries, which is what the claim is built on. Without proof that the injuries were caused by your accident, and what those injuries were, it becomes extremely difficult to directly link the accident and the resulting injuries, and the other side may claim that your injuries were sustained from another cause or that they were not as severe as you say.
• To validate the claimant’s narrative: Medical records are an objective record of your medical history, lending credibility to your narrative by providing independent verification of reported physical problems, pain levels, and limitations. This can be used by your lawyer to strengthen your position in litigation or negotiations. If you have medical records from multiple healthcare providers (i.e the ER room doctor, your primary physician, and a physical therapist) provides corroborating evidence to add to the validity and credibility of your claim.
• To prove the extent of damages: Medical records are critical for demonstrating the severity of damages a claimant has incurred. This includes both the immediate medical expenses and the potential long-term ramifications like ongoing rehabilitation, medical treatment, and loss of earning capacity. Medical records paint a clear picture of the physical and financial consequences of the injuries so that economic and non-economic damages can be evaluated.
• To counter the defense: Defendants and their insurers in personal injury cases may try to discredit the claimant’s case through raising questions about the causation or severity of the injuries. Comprehensive medical records are critical to countering these tactics by offering concrete evidence of your injuries and their severity in the face of disputes that the defense tries to raise. If necessary, expert testimony from a medical professional can help support your claim.
• To facilitate negotiations and litigation: Medical records play a central role in shaping the outcome of cases during settlement negotiations or courtroom proceedings by giving your legal team leverage to negotiate from a position of strength. Your attorneys use solid medical records to advocate for the maximum amount you are legally entitled to. If the case goes to litigation, medical records can be exhibited in court when judges and juries are assessing the extent of the injuries and resulting damages.

Contact Us Today

Medical records play a critical role in the outcome of a personal injury case. If you or somebody you love was injured due to another party’s negligence, call Tapalian Law to consult with a personal injury lawyer today.