Understanding the Role of Medical Documentation
In the context of personal injury law, medical documentation refers to the comprehensive record of a patient's medical history following an accident. This encompasses all reports, notes, and test results generated by hospitals, physicians, and specialists involved in the patient's care.
Medical documentation can serve as the backbone of your claim. The role of medical documentation is as follows:
- Providing evidence of an injury. Medical documentation establishes the existence, nature, and severity of your injuries. This is crucial for proving you were indeed hurt and the extent of the damage caused by the accident.
- Treatment & Prognosis. These records detail the treatment you received, the medications prescribed, and the expected recovery timeline. This information helps determine the cost of your medical care and potential future needs.
- Causation. Linking your injuries to the accident is important. Medical records can document how the accident caused your specific injuries, strengthening the cause-and-effect argument.
In addition to establishing the elements of negligence, medical documents can also be used as negotiation tools. In negotiations, these records can significantly influence the settlement amount you receive.
This evidence helps substantiate your pain and suffering claims, as well as the ongoing medical needs arising from the injury. With a clear understanding of your medical situation, the at-fault party's insurance company is more likely to offer a fair settlement to avoid the uncertainties of a trial.
Types of Medical Records You Should Collect
When compiling your medical document, you will want to include key information about the extent of your injuries, the types of injuries you sustained, and medical opinions and prognoses for recovery. Medical records that can help you with providing this information include:
- Documentation from emergency room visits or urgent care facilities, including initial evaluation reports and treatment received.
- Follow-up appointment records with all treating physicians, detailing diagnosis, treatment plans, and progress notes.
- Records from any rehabilitation therapy, including therapy type, prescribed exercises, and documented progress.
- Results of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and any other diagnostic tests performed.
- Radiologist reports interpreting the findings of these tests.
- Documentation of medications prescribed for pain management or specific treatment of your injuries.
- Pharmacy records and receipts for these medications.
Expert Medical Opinions Strengthen Your Claim
Expert medical witnesses are licensed professionals with extensive training and experience in a specific medical field. Their objective opinions, based on their knowledge and review of your medical records, hold significant weight in court.
Medical jargon and intricate diagnoses can be confusing for judges and juries. Expert witnesses act as translators, breaking down complex medical concepts into understandable language.
While medical records and statements from your treating physicians are crucial, incorporating expert medical opinions from other experts can significantly strengthen your case. As we mentioned, they can be objective; they can also give more specific perspectives when needed. For instance, specialists can provide information and details that ER doctors cannot.
Get Counsel from Our Personal Injury Attorneys
For over 70 years, the attorneys at May, Rammell & Wells have been providing clients with quality and comprehensive counsel. We are committed to helping those injured due to negligence understand their legal options and right to pursue compensation.
We can help represent clients in the following personal injury cases:
- Bike accident
- Construction accidents
- Product liability
- Catastrophic injuries
- Premises liability
- Wrongful death
- Car accidents
- Bus accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Trucks accidents
Get in touch with us online or via phone at (208) 623-8021. We offer speaking services in English and Spanish.