The aftermath of an accident can be a whirlwind of emotions, physical pain, and logistical hurdles. While seeking medical attention is likely at the forefront of your mind, you might not immediately consider the importance of thorough medical documentation after an accident. The Kansas injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group understand that navigating the legal aspects of a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming. That’s why we want to emphasize the significance of collecting and preserving medical records following an accident.
Why Is Medical Documentation Important?
Medical documentation serves as a crucial piece of evidence in personal injury claims. It creates a clear picture of your injuries, the treatment you received, and the impact the accident has had on your health and well-being. Here are a few more in-depth reasons why thorough medical documentation after an accident is essential:
Establishes the Link Between the Accident and Your Injuries: Sometimes, injuries don’t manifest immediately, particularly in cases of whiplash or internal bleeding. Detailed medical records from a doctor visit soon after the accident can establish a timeline connecting the accident to your injuries.
Supports the Extent of Your Injuries: Medical documentation provides objective evidence of the severity of your injuries. This includes physician notes, diagnostic test results (X-rays, MRIs, etc.), and treatment plans.
Justifies Medical Expenses: Robust medical records help validate the necessity and cost of medical treatment you receive following the accident. This strengthens your claim for compensation for medical bills and future medical needs.
Documents Ongoing Treatment and Recovery: The road to recovery can be long and complex. Continued medical documentation after an accident demonstrates the ongoing impact of the accident on your health and the necessity of future treatment.
Strengthens Your Case: Comprehensive medical records provide a clear and objective narrative of your injuries and their impact. This can significantly bolster your case when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your claim in court.
Following an accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible, regardless of the perceived severity of your injuries. During your doctor visit, be sure to accurately describe your symptoms and any pain you’re experiencing. Here’s a breakdown of the key medical documents you should collect and retain:
Emergency Room Records: If you are transported to the emergency room, obtain copies of all discharge paperwork, physician notes, diagnostic test results, and treatment records.
Doctor’s Visit Records: Keep copies of all records from subsequent doctor visits related to the accident. This includes physician reports, referrals to specialists, and treatment plans.
Diagnostic Test Results: Collect copies of X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or any other diagnostic tests performed by your doctor.
Medical Bills: Retain copies of all medical bills associated with your accident-related treatment.
Pain Journal: Consider keeping a pain journal to document the location, intensity, and duration of your pain. You can also note how the pain affects your daily activities and sleep patterns.
Patterson Legal Group: Here to Help You With Medical Documentation After an Accident
Here at Patterson Legal Group, we pride ourselves on being the skilled, experienced, and compassionate legal advocates people need the most after an accident. Our dedicated team of trial lawyers has a proven track record of success in securing settlements for those hurt in a personal injury incident in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We will fight for your rights and work hard to secure the compensation you both need and deserve.
Get started today with a free consultation by giving us a call at (888) 687-2400 or filling out an encrypted contact form. You can also connect with our LiveChat representatives. We work under a “no win, no fee” promise, so you won’t pay anything unless we win. Reach out today to begin your free, no obligation consultation.
The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as legal advice for an individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship nor does viewing this material constitute an attorney-client relationship.
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They were very understanding of my issues and worked with me to complete the necessary forms and documents. This process took several months and they kept in touch with me and kept me informed through the whole process. My attorney was always available to answer any questions that came up and she was very prompt […]
