Suffering an injury in a Tampa accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Suddenly, you find yourself facing a long road to recovery, filled with doctor’s appointments, medical treatments, and mounting bills. While focusing on physical healing, you may not consider your medical records’ critical role in your legal case against the at-fault party. So learn how to get medical records after an accident below.
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand the overwhelming challenges you face after a severe accident. As a result, our compassionate Tampa personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Your Medical Records Matter in a Tampa Accident Case
Your medical records serve as the foundation of your personal injury claim. Furthermore, they provide detailed documentation of your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. Additionally, these are essential for establishing the at-fault party’s liability and the value of your damages.
Linking your injuries to the accident and proving that the other party’s negligence caused them can be challenging without comprehensive medical records. At the same time, the insurance company might argue that your injuries were pre-existing or that you exaggerated your symptoms to inflate your claim.
Your medical records can help to counter these arguments by providing concrete evidence of:
- The specific injuries you sustained in the accident, such as broken bones, soft tissue damage, or traumatic brain injury
- The medical treatment you received, including surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and therapy
- The cost of your medical bills and related expenses
- Your expected future medical needs and costs
- The impact of your injuries on your daily life and ability to work
- The extent of your pain and suffering
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we work closely with your medical providers to gather all relevant records on your behalf. We also consult with professionals who can review the severity of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life.
The Types of Medical Records You Need for Your Tampa Accident Case
To build a comprehensive case, your Tampa personal injury lawyer must access various medical records of your accident and injuries. These may include:
- Ambulance and emergency room records
- Hospital admission and discharge records
- Surgical reports
- Diagnostic test results, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans
- Doctor’s notes and treatment plans
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation records
- Prescription medication records
- Mental health records related to accident-related conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Billing records and insurance claims
It’s essential to keep track of all the medical providers you see for your accident-related injuries, as each one may have relevant records to your case. This is so your lawyer can help you identify which records are needed and take steps to obtain them on your behalf.
How to Obtain Your Medical Records After a Tampa Accident
Under federal and state law, you can access your medical records. However, obtaining them can be challenging and time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple providers or facilities.
To request your medical records, you will typically need to:
- Contact each provider or facility directly and ask for a copy of your records
- Fill out a written request form, which may be available online or at the provider’s office
- Provide proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license or passport
- Pay any fees associated with copying and mailing your records (although fees may be waived if you are requesting them for legal purposes)
Sometimes, you may need to provide a signed authorization form allowing your health care provider to release your records to your lawyer or another third party. Your personal injury attorney can provide the necessary forms and help you navigate the request process.
It’s essential to act quickly when requesting your medical records, as some providers may only keep them on file for a limited time. In Florida, most healthcare providers must retain adult patient records for at least five years after the last patient contact. This time frame may vary, however, depending on the type of provider and the nature of your treatment.
Suppose you have trouble obtaining your records or encounter resistance from a healthcare provider. In that case, your personal injury lawyer can step in and use legal tools, such as subpoenas, to compel the release of your records.
How Your Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer Uses Your Medical Records to Build Your Case
Once your Tampa personal injury lawyer has obtained your complete medical records, they will carefully review them to identify key evidence that supports your claim. This may include:
- Detailed descriptions of your injuries and the treatment you received
- Objective test results that show the severity of your injuries
- Doctor’s notes that link your injuries to the accident and discuss your prognosis
- Bills and insurance claims that establish the cost of your medical treatment
Additionally, your lawyer will use this evidence to build a strong case showing the other party’s liability for your injuries and the full extent of your damages. They may also consult with medical experts who can review your records and provide testimony about the long-term impact of your injuries on your health, your ability to work, and your quality of life.
So with your medical records and other supporting evidence, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to compensate you for all your losses. Consequently, if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer may use your medical records as evidence in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Today for a Confidential Consultation
If you have been injured in a Tampa accident, don’t try to navigate the legal system on your own. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process, including obtaining your medical records and using them to build a strong case on your behalf.
Be sure to get the legal help you need. Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers online or by calling (619) 233-5020 to schedule your free consultation with a skilled Tampa personal injury lawyer. Our firm is here to fight for you and help you access the medical records and other evidence you need to proceed with your case.
