How Medical Records Can Make or Break Your Personal Injury Case
If you’ve been injured in an accident, your medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case. They provide a detailed account of your injuries, treatment, and recovery, which can help prove the extent of your damages and ensure you receive fair compensation.
At Zaber Law, we’ve seen how strong medical records can lead to successful outcomes—and how missing or incomplete records can complicate a case. Here’s why medical records matter so much and how they can impact your personal injury claim.
Why Are Medical Records Important?
- They Prove Your Injuries:
Medical records document the injuries you sustained in an accident. They show what happened to your body, when it happened, and how it’s affecting your life. Without this proof, it’s much harder to convince an insurance company or court that you were injured. - They Show the Severity of Your Injuries:
The more severe your injuries, the more compensation you may be entitled to. Records like X-rays, MRIs, or surgical reports help demonstrate the seriousness of your condition and justify your claim for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. - They Link Your Injuries to the Accident:
For your case to be successful, you must show that your injuries were caused by the accident—not something else. Timely medical records are key to establishing this link.
How Medical Records Can Help Your Case
Example 1: After a car accident, John visits the emergency room the same day. The doctor diagnoses him with a broken wrist and prescribes physical therapy. John keeps all his medical records, including therapy progress notes and follow-ups with a specialist.
- Result: John’s attorney uses these records to show the accident caused his injury and that he required ongoing care. This helps John receive full compensation for his medical bills and lost income.
Example 2: Sarah slips and falls at a grocery store and sees her doctor the next day for back pain. Her doctor’s notes clearly state the pain started after the fall, and an MRI confirms a herniated disc.
- Result: The detailed records help Sarah prove the store’s negligence caused her injury, strengthening her claim for damages.
How Missing or Incomplete Records Can Hurt Your Case
Example 1: Mike gets rear-ended but doesn’t see a doctor until two weeks later when his neck pain worsens. The delay makes it harder to prove the accident caused his injury.
- Impact: The insurance company argues that something else may have caused Mike’s pain, reducing his compensation.
Example 2: Lisa skips some of her physical therapy sessions after a fall. The insurance company points to the gaps in her records to claim her injuries aren’t as serious as she says.
- Impact: Lisa’s case is weakened, and her settlement offer is lower than expected.
Tips for Using Medical Records to Strengthen Your Case
- Get Medical Attention Right Away:
Seeing a doctor immediately after an accident not only protects your health but also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the incident. - Follow Your Doctor’s Advice:
Attend all recommended appointments, treatments, and therapies. This shows you’re taking your recovery seriously. - Be Honest About Your Symptoms:
Always provide accurate information to your doctor. Exaggerating or downplaying your injuries can hurt your credibility. - Keep Copies of Everything:
Save copies of all medical records, bills, and treatment notes. These documents are critical for your attorney to build your case.
How Zaber Law Can Help
At Zaber Law, we know how to gather and use medical records effectively to support your personal injury claim. Our team works closely with you and your healthcare providers to ensure all the necessary documentation is in place.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t leave your case to chance. Let us handle the details while you focus on healing.
📞 Contact Zaber Law today to schedule a free consultation.
Your recovery matters—and so does your case. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
