Medical costs are among the primary concerns for car accident victims, as proper treatment for injuries can be expensive. To work those expenses into your accident claim, you must provide detailed evidence demonstrating the severity of your injuries and representing the financial burden they imposed. Keep reading to see how you can ensure that your doctor and other medical professionals fully document your injuries to use in a personal injury claim.
Get Medical Treatment After an Accident
The first step is to get medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should always seek treatment. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and you must create a medical record of the accident’s results. If you do not seek out medical treatment right away or do not follow up with a medical professional, your opposition could use that to argue that your injuries weren’t that severe to begin with. The safest course for your case and your health is to go to a doctor as soon as possible and follow their medical advice regarding treatment plans, follow-up appointments, etc.
Proper Medical Records
Doctors are capable of incredible feats in the healthcare field, but it is important that medical records are organized, accurate and complete. Their shorthand may be enough for them and their colleagues to function efficiently, but your case requires clearly stating and explaining medical facts.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to communicate with your doctor to ensure the full extent of your injuries is properly recorded in your medical records. Without the specific details included, your records would not serve as effective evidence in your personal injury case. Make sure that your records include at least the following:
- The full extent of injuries
- Pain levels
- Limitations caused by injuries
- Records of follow-up appointments
- Ongoing treatment plans
Miscommunication on the part of anyone involved, including your doctor and other health practitioners, can make your records appear inconsistent. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer review your case is a valuable way to keep your medical records in order and can address any omissions or discrepancies. Remember, these records are among your case’s strongest pieces of evidence, so you want them to be as flawless as possible.
The Importance of Consistency
In addition to specific details, you must demonstrate consistency in your records and treatments. That means attending your recommended follow-up appointments, taking prescribed medication and following the doctor’s instructions. If you do not, that could be used to argue that you are not taking your injuries seriously. That, in turn, could mean that your injuries are not that severe, which will severely compromise your chances of receiving compensation for the damages suffered.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
You have a right to compensation when you are injured in an accident. By seeking medical treatment and keeping your medical records in order, you have a much better chance of receiving compensation, even when going up against giant insurance companies. At Thomas J. Ueberschaer, P.A., we have extensive experience working with clients from Pensacola to Tallahassee to make the most of their medical records. We work on a contingency basis – you only pay if you win – so there’s no risk in giving us a call. Get in touch with Tom today for a free consultation.