How Important Are Medical Records?

• December 7, 2020
• Personal Injury, Automobile Accidents

Originally Published: December 7, 2020 • Updated: June 16, 2026

If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a car or truck accident caused by another driver, your medical records can be one of the most important elements in your personal injury claim.

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What are Medical Records?

According to the Missouri State Medical Association,

“Every time a patient is seen or consulted, an entry needs to be made in the patient’s medical record. The record should include patient histories, examination results, test orders and results, diagnoses, patient complaints, medication history, reports of consultations and hospitalizations, notice of referrals, notes regarding patient conversations, and notes regarding the patient’s demeanor and compliance.”

And it goes on to say: Missouri state law requires the following to be part of the patient’s medical record:

1. Patient’s identifying information. Name, address, birth date, and telephone number;
2. Date of service. When the patient was seen;
3. Current status. Reason for the visit and presenting condition;
4. Physical findings. Observations from the examination;
5. Assessment and diagnosis. Clinical impressions;
6. Plan of care. Treatment plan, including medications; and
7. Informed consent. Documentation that the patient agreed to treatment

In essence, getting medical treatment gives you the medical records you may need should you choose to pursue a personal injury claim.

Source:
Missouri State Medical Association
191.227.  Medical record

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How do Medical Records Help Your Claim?

Medical records should provide a complete summary of all your treatment, your current medical status, and your future medical needs. For instance, they can:

• Show your prior medical history. Help distinguish between pre‑existing conditions and injuries directly caused by the accident. If the latter, your records may help prove liability in the accident.
• Document the severity of your injuries. Detail the nature and extent of your injuries, supporting the value of your claim.
• Support claims for lost wages and inability to work. Help prove your inability to work based on the treatment plan, along with a doctor’s determination about work restrictions or disability.
• Reveal hidden or delayed injuries. Help uncover more serious injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
• Provide expert medical opinions. Offer professional insight into the cause of your injuries and your short‑ and long‑term treatment needs.

Medical records are a key part of preserving your rights and recovering damages from the responsible party. The car accident attorneys at Nash & Franciskato understand how to gather, interpret, and use these records effectively in your personal injury claim.

What medical records may be important:

• Paramedic/ambulance records
• Emergency room/clinic records of initial treatment/urgent care records
• All hospital records, including admissions and discharge summaries
• Records from follow-up appointments
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation records and notes
• Diagnostic testing results
• X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs

A personal injury attorney, like Nash & Franciskato, will help you determine what medical records are necessary and what should be provided to the defendant and/or their insurance company. Only medical records within the scope of your accident-related injuries are relevant to the case. Our team wants to protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Do You Need Legal Assistance? Choose Nash & Franciskato

Have you been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in which you suffered serious injuries? Call Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600.

We have a strong track record of helping accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve. In Kansas City and across Missouri, the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm will fight for your rights.

Contact our legal team today and speak with a member of our experienced staff. We will provide a free, no‑obligation case evaluation.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

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• Related blog topics:: Personal Injury, Automobile Accidents
• Missouri State Medical Association
• The Lawyer’s Guide to Medical Records
• The Guide to Getting & Using Your Health Records

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Photo Credits:

• stokkete(Luciano De polo) – Confident professional doctors examining a patient’s x-ray – via depositphotos.com
• OtnaYdur(Rudyanto Wijaya) – Medical record – photo – via depositphotos.com
• Kzenon(Arne Trautmann). Image file. via depositphotos.com