Medical Records Requests in Personal Injury Cases
As soon as you’re finished taking the first steps needed after a car accident, it is important to start gathering information and documentation that can be used to support your personal injury claim. The easiest way to show how severe your injuries are is through the records of those who have provided medical care to you along with photos and any medical records obtained from your medical providers. In this blog post, we will provide information on what to look for in your medical records and how to make sure they are complete and accurate.
Medical providers are all trained to take very detailed notes on your medical condition and any observations they may have. If you would like to get a copy of your medical records, it’s quite simple. Even in states where there is no specific law giving patients access to their medical records, most if not all medical providers will make sure that the patient has a copy of their own medical records. If you experience any issues trying to obtain your medical records, speak to a higher up or the physician who treated you and explain that you need to obtain your medical records to support your personal injury claim. If you find it quite difficult to get access to your medical records, consider getting a lawyer involved to move the process along. Either way, the first step needed to obtain your medical records will be to call your medical provider or contact your medical provider and inquire about the process for getting medical records released to you. Some providers will take longer than others. Some providers will provide specific procedures for obtaining your medical records while others will simply just ask for a written request to be faxed over. Depending on the hospital or a doctor that treated you, they will likely have you fill out some type of form that provides them with an authorization to release your medical records to you. It is important to note here that you really shouldn’t sign an authorization to release your medical records to anyone other than your lawyer if you have one or your own insurance company if your insurance policy specifically and legally requires it. Otherwise, it is never a good idea to sign over a broad medical authorization release.
What to Do Once You Receive Your Medical Records
Once you get your medical records back, it is important to confirm that your medical records are accurate and complete. If your medical records are not accurate or complete, there are a few steps you can take to correct the situation. For instance, if you find that your medical records do not list all the dates that you visited your doctor or do not include any complaints about pain you may have made to your physician, you can contact your doctor and see if they will amend or correct your medical records to reflect these changes. Another important issue to lookout for is any treatments or examinations or comments about injuries that are unrelated to your accident. If your medical records contain irrelevant examinations and treatment, see if you can have your records updated to only reflect the information that is relevant for your injury claim.
Speak with our Accident Lawyer Miami Today!
If you are looking to pursue a car accident injury case and want to discuss your options going forward, contact one of our skilled car accident attorneys today! Don’t allow negligent drivers to cost you money, time, or cause you aggravation. If you were hurt in a car crash, it is smart to connect with a local accident lawyer so that you can obtain vital information on how to begin the process of filing a claim or filing a lawsuit. At Suarez and Montero, our policy is that if you don’t recover compensation, you won’t pay any fees for our services. Not to mention, we also provide free case consultations where we assess the circumstances surrounding your case and give you an objective overview of what steps you can take going forward if you decide to act against the at-fault party. For over 19 years, we have delivered quality legal representation for people who, through no fault of their own, have been injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents. We are available 24/7 to give you a free, no risk case consultation.
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following areas:
Miami-Dade: Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Fontainebleau, Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Tamiami, and Westchester.
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