How Important Are Medical Records?

• December 7, 2020
• Personal Injury, Automobile Accidents

Have you suffered serious injuries in a car or truck accident where the other driver was at-fault? When planning to recover damages from the responsible party, your medical records can be one of the most important elements of a personal injury claim.

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 indicates the following must be a part of the patient’s medical record.

1. Patient identifying information, including name, address, birth date, and telephone number;
2. Date the patient was seen;
3. Current status of the patient, including reason for the visit;
4. Physical observation findings;
5. Assessment and clinical impression of diagnosis;
6. Plan for care and treatment, including medications; and,
7. Informed consent.

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

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, medical records:

• Provide your past medical history, which can help show whether an injury was sustained prior to the accident or was a direct result of the accident. If the latter, your records may be helpful in proving liability in the accident.
• Give details of the severity of the injuries sustained due to the accident.
• May help prove the injured person’s inability to work based on the treatment plan along with a doctor’s determination.
• Can help uncover more serious personal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
• Provide a medical professional’s opinion as to the cause of the injuries and medical treatment plan both at present time and in the future.

Medical records are important to help preserve your rights and are a key element in recovering damages from the responsible party. The car accident attorneys at Nash & Franciskato understand the importance of medical records and how to use them in your personal injury claims.

What medical records may be important:

• Paramedic/ambulance records
• Emergency room/clinic records of initial treatment
• All hospital records
• Records from follow-up appointments
• Physical therapy 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 needed and what needs to be supplied to the defendant and/or their insurance company. Only medical records within the scope of your accident-related injuries are relevant to the case. The Nash & Franciskato team wants to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.

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 successful track record helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.

In the Kansas City area and across Missouri, the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm will fight for your rights. Contact our legal team today. One of our experienced staff will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published December 7, 2020. It was reviewed on July 12, 2023 and updated for content and accuracy.