Most individuals are familiar with the legal term called “personal injury.” No one on Planet Earth ever wishes to be the victim of a personal injury, but unfortunately, it can happen; this is harm that is caused by one person or entity for acting negligently or intentionally. Common personal injury examples include vehicular crashes, slip and falls, bicycle accidents, dog bites, pedestrian accidents, medical malpractice or wrongful death.
Setting the Factual Foundation
If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, one of the best pieces of advice from experts is to seek medical attention right away. Create that all-important “paper trail.” Your medical records are crucial in documenting what has occurred to you, how any injuries are connected to the incident and how the personal injury will impact your life going forward.
Recording More Than Personal Statements
Following a personal injury, it is important to take photographs of the scene if you can. It’s also prudent to obtain eyewitness accounts and to contact the police to make an official record of the accident. Your personal statements will also carry weight, but beyond those key details, medical records truly matter in determining causation.
You may not think so, but every diagnosis, doctor’s visit, treatment and medical opinion truly matters when it concerns a personal injury.
Dealing With Insurance Adjuster Undervalue
Insurance companies can be quick to challenge a victim’s injuries. If they see inconsistencies in your medical reports, insurance adjusters can suggest that the harm you received was minor or not even the result of your claims.
Insurance experts can also use allegations of pre-existing conditions, delays in medical treatment and comparative fault as reasons to undervalue a victim’s injury claims. These are common tactics by insurance companies, and some victims feel overwhelmed trying to set the record straight and feel diminished merely trying to protect their rights.
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Not Delaying Immediate Medical Care
After an injury or accident, you may feel okay and head home. However, symptoms of a serious nature can often show up hours or days later. In other words, trauma to the human body can be “hidden” through inflammation, adrenaline, shock and more. That is why experts advise being medically evaluated following a personal injury.
An emergency room visit and/or hospital records will carry the most weight. From there, your ongoing care will continue to be officially documented to prove the timeline of your medical journey. Perhaps there are X-rays and MRI tests, lab work, drug prescriptions, physical therapy, surgery or appointments with specialists. All of this information provides layers of proof of the victim’s personal injury, the financial costs and in some cases, the lost earning capacity.
Requesting Medical Records Post-Injury
Every individual has a legal right to access their personal medical records, and after sustaining a personal injury, this is certainly no different. Request the complete medical records from every hospital or clinic you may have visited and every physician involved in your care. Keep copies of these documents that you obtain from their record departments in a personal binder.
Trying to Navigate the Complexities After A Personal Injury
Maybe you’ve followed the expert recommendations outlined above, but the insurance company is pushing back, or you’re having trouble tracking down all of the medical records. Sustaining a personal injury is no joke and can negatively impact various aspects of your life that go beyond the physical consequences.
It can be emotionally draining for you and your family. That’s why seasoned personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and recovery.
