The Importance of Medical Records: How Crucial Medical Records Are to Building a Solid Personal Injury Claim

When filing a personal injury claim for damages you’ve incurred in any type of accident, one of the most crucial pieces of evidence is your medical records. These records will be the key component used by your injury attorney to successfully prove the validity of your claim. Your medical records provide a detailed accounting of your injury, treatment you’ve received, your projected recovery, and further information pertinent to your medical care. At Tapalian Law, we use our client’s medical records to support their legal claim in car accident cases and other types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, by showing proof of the injuries our client experienced, and to ensure they receive maximum compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company that is commensurate with their damages.

Why are Medical Records Important in a Personal Injury Claim?

We know that medical records are one of the most vital pieces of evidence in any personal injury claim, but why? Because your medical records establish a direct correlation between the accident and your injuries. They document the extent and detail of damage that occurred in the accident, when they took place, how they were caused, and medical treatment received for these injuries. The records show a clear picture of the extent of the harm you incurred and how it has affected your well-being from a medical point of view. They also help to add a more precise monetary component when your personal injury lawyer files a request for compensation and/or negotiates a settlement with the opposing insurance company.

Can a Lack of Medical Records Harm Your Personal Injury Claim?

While comprehensive medical records certainly benefit your personal injury claim, spotty medical records lacking in detail or showing large gaps in treatment can work against you. Without solid documentation of your injuries and treatments undertaken, it will be much more difficult for your lawyer to present a strong case and show proof of the harm you incurred. As a result, weak or lacking medical documentation can negatively impact the amount of compensation you are awarded for your injury claim. It can largely undermine the credibility of your claim by serving as a significant counter to any of the defense’s attempts to lessen the severity of your injuries. Without accurate and comprehensive medical records, it can become extremely difficult to prove the validity of a claim and get you the compensation you may be legally entitled to for the injuries you sustained. 

Contact an Experienced Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorney

Following an injury, always seek prompt medical attention. Follow your physician’s recommendations and maintain copies of your medical records and medical bills. At Tapalian Law, our personal injury law team always urges people to seek medical treatment after any type of injury, regardless of the severity. Most importantly, it can be crucial to your health, especially if someone is experiencing a potentially life-threatening injury like internal bleeding, which may go undetected if not properly diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. Secondly, if someone else is found negligent for your damages, seeking medical treatment right away helps to build a strong foundation from the beginning as medical records play a critical role in the outcome of a personal injury case. With over two decades of experience focused on helping victims of car accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and falls, and other types of injuries throughout RI and MA, our professional legal team is ready to help you. If you or somebody you love was injured due to another party’s negligence, call Tapalian Law at 401-552-5000 to consult with a personal injury lawyer today or email our Providence office to schedule a free consultation.