Benefits of the Value Medical Record Adds to Personal Injury Cases

Suffering from the catastrophic impact of an injury or accident due to someone else’s fault is never that easy. The aftermath of an injury or accident is the most critical stage. That’s when the individual needs to file a personal injury lawsuit.

It’s a legal dispute arising when someone’s fault injures the person. The faulty individual is responsible for the compensation. This compensation includes lost wages, medical costs, physical pain, or mental suffering. 

So, under the guidance of a seasoned attorney, the person files the case. The lawyer collects the necessary evidence to fight for justice and win deserving compensation. One of the valuable documents is the medical record that adds value to the case. 

This post discusses the importance of medical records in a personal injury case. Let’s find out more from the following points.

Why Does an Injured (Who’s Not Faulty) Need Medical Evidence in a Personal Injury Case?

Once you visit the attorney, the legal professional would ask for important evidence like accident photos and medical bills. You may find it strange and wonder why the attorney requests medical reports.

Simply put, your health records determine the severity of the case. It makes the judge aware of the treatment you are currently undergoing. Reviewing your medical reports helps establish the case.

Some pre-existing injuries could get aggravated after undergoing the accident. You can also show the reports to assess the seriousness of your case. Documented paperwork puts a value on the expense of your therapy and healing process. So, medical records help your lawyer strengthen the case. The following are the benefits of medical records in personal injury cases.

Supports Future Healthcare Requirements

As a personal injury victim, you may require future treatment plans for surgeries, physical therapy, mental sessions, and long-term medication. 

Medical reports have a critical role in past and ongoing treatments. Alongside, they also support future healthcare needs. That means they also justify the need for rehabilitation or medications in the future. 

If you experience spinal cord injury due to an accident, you can consult a personal injury chiropractor. Your doctor prepares for your current medical condition and gives a brief understanding of future medical attention. 

An all-encompassing medical report provides an insight into the future of medical services. Note that a few severe injuries might have long-term impacts after immediate recovery. Your lawyer can help you secure compensation against future healthcare expenses.

Assesses the Severity of the Damage or Injury

Another essential benefit of collecting your healthcare reports in a personal injury case is to prove the severity of the physical damage. Note that a victim can sustain severe underlying physical and mental conditions in an accident or injury.

The comprehensive medical history demonstrates the injury and damage for which the victim can get compensation. The evidence helps the attorney file a strong case against the faulty individual. 

A well-evaluated medical history gives an understanding of the financial, physical, and mental impact that one suffers post-accident.

Evidence for Disability (if Any)

Some accidents may result in fatal consequences. Some plaintiffs may lose their job after encountering a severe accident due to someone else’s fault. Their disability is better assessed through a well-documented medical report. 

The medical records help prove the claims of lost earnings or income. These reports show the inability of the individual to perform their regular office tasks. If someone else’s fault makes one lose their job and income opportunities, that person is bound to give compensation. So, a medical report strengthens the case by allowing the attorney to fight for your deserving legal rewards.

A comprehensive medical chart review helps SSA determine the severity of the applicant's medical condition. It assesses whether the medical condition impacts the claimant for more than one year (criteria to determine benefit eligibility for SSDI)

Gives Evidence of Medical Negligence

Medical record review is crucial for a personal injury lawyer Orlando who deals with slip and fall, vehicle accidents, or social security disability. Besides, these reports add value to cases related to workers’ compensation, product liability, and other medical malpractices (including wrongful death).

Medical reports can add value to the case if the personal injury is caused due to medical malpractices. The report reveals errors that the medical professional has made. They also highlight substandard post-operative care, inadequacy by staff members, and more.

Helps the Judge Decide on Fair Compensation

Justices or judges heavily depend on healthcare reports that determine injuries. So, these records guide them in rewarding the claimant with deserving compensation for pain, suffering, or lost income. 

Health reports can reduce the loss of enjoyment in a patient’s life. Moreover, it may impact drastically on their mobility and bring emotional trauma. 

Several patients experience lifestyle impacts after a personal injury, regardless of whether it’s a car accident, medical malpractice, SSD (social security disability), etc. While pain and suffering cannot be measured entirely with reports, medical records give a fair idea.

In short, a well-documented medical report helps attorneys counter defense arguments.

Preparing for a Medical Chronology – Types of Medical Reports You Need for Personal Injury Cases

Considering the value that a plaintiff’s health history adds to the case, it’s recommended to consult trained practitioners to prepare the chronology. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable healthcare expert and your personal injury attorney, you need the following documents:

• Expenses related to ongoing nursing and at-home care
• Hospital bills and the most updated details from your insurance company
• Insurance paperwork and forms 
• Treatment reports for Congenital conditions or other illnesses
• Medical histories 
• Test results obtained from the diagnosis
• Receipts for equipment such as braces, wheelchair, or crutches 
• Medications that you used to consume or have currently 
• Receipts for OTP pharmaceutical as well as topical treatments
• Medical reports of previous surgeries or therapy 
• Evidence of pre-existing health conditions that got more serious after the accident (if any)

A Concluding Message

Creating well-ordered medical records is a complex process. However, a personal injury lawyer Florida can meticulously perform the steps and make a report in chronological order. The legal consultant can help you diligently compile a medical report from your treatment’s initial stage till the present condition.