The Importance of Medical Records in a Personal Injury Case
You can recover financial compensation through a personal injury claim after suffering an injury because of another party’s negligence. Whether you are seeking compensation after a car accident, slip and fall accident, or any other type of accident, the strength and success of your case hinges on the quality and comprehensiveness of your evidence. Medical records form a crucial part of evidence in a personal injury case. This article discusses why medical documents are important in a personal injury case.
Types of Medical Records
It is crucial that you gather the correct medical records if you want to have a strong case. Different types of medical records can help you build a strong case, including the following;
- Emergency room medical records
- Hospitalization records
- Diagnostic imaging
- Medical bills, including medication costs, doctor’s fees and hospital charges
- Doctor’s notes
- Surgical report, if you underwent surgery
- Laboratory test results
- Medication records
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation records
- Records of mental health counseling
It is crucial to be thorough when gathering medical records. A qualified personal injury attorney can guide you on the types of medical records you need to collect for your case. Once you have gathered all necessary medical records, organize them systematically and keep them safe. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you organize your medical records. An attorney can help you effectively present your medical records to the at-fault party’s insurance company or the court.
What Is the Importance of Medical Records in a Personal Injury Case?
You need medical records in your personal injury case for various reasons. First, medical records can help establish causation. Second, medical records can help establish the extent of your damages. Third, medical records demonstrate the severity of your pain and suffering. Additionally, thorough medical records can help counter claims of preexisting conditions.
Establishing Causation
One of the elements you need to prove in your personal injury case is causation. This entails establishing a link between the defendant’s actions and your injuries. Causation entails showing that you suffered your injuries in the accident in question. Medical records can help you prove causation.
Establishing the Extent of Damages
Another primary purpose of medical records in a personal injury case is to establish the extent of damages. Medical records show the nature and extent of injuries. They document past and ongoing medical expenses and account for future medical needs. Medical records enable you to seek compensation for both past and future medical expenses.
Demonstrating the Severity of Pain and Suffering
Often, personal injury victims are entitled to recover compensation for pain and suffering. Proving pain and suffering can be challenging. However, thorough medical records can help demonstrate the extent of your pain and suffering. The following are some of the details in your medical records that can help establish the severity of your pain and suffering;
- Descriptions of your pain levels
- Descriptions of how your injury has impacted your daily life
- Descriptions of mental health issues you have suffered because of your injury
Countering Claims of Preexisting Conditions
If the defense side argues that your injuries were pre-existing, you can use your medical records to counter this claim.
Contact a London Personal Injury Attorney
Our qualified London personal injury attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm can help you with your personal injury claim. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
