The Importance of Medical Records in Minnesota Injury Claims
If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Minnesota that was caused by someone else’s negligence, your medical records are incredibly important if you’re trying to obtain compensation. If you’re thinking about bringing a claim, understanding why your medical history matters can make a real difference in getting the help you deserve.
What types of medical records will we collect?
If you were hurt in an accident, like a car crash or a slip and fall, and want to file a personal injury claim, we will gather the right medical records. Here’s what we typically collect:
Emergency room and initial treatment records
After the accident, you may end up going to the emergency room and, later, to your primary care doctor. Make sure you keep all documentation from these visits, like discharge paperwork and proof of your appointments.
Hospital admissions and surgical reports
If you were admitted to the hospital, we will get records of this as well. Proof of treatment, such as surgery, can be a critical aspect of your claim.
Follow-up and specialist visits
When you see doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, or other specialists for the same injury, these records can help document your recovery or ongoing issues. Your visits also demonstrate that you kept up with treatments that tie back to your accident, which is important for your case.
Diagnostic tests and imaging
Keep X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and lab results. Diagnostic images and reports are helpful for making the extent of the injury clear when presenting your claim.
Prescription and medication records
Keep records of all medications your doctor prescribes after the accident, and what you actually took.
Why medical records matter in injury claims
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, your medical records are one of the foundations of your injury claim. These records reveal the facts behind what happened to you and play a big role in getting fair compensation. Here’s what makes them so important:
They help establish the cause of your injuries
For any injury claim to be successful, you need to show that your injuries came from the accident. Medical records link your health problems to a specific incident. They include exam notes, test results, and reports from your doctors. Without this connection, insurance companies can argue that your injuries came from a separate situation.
They show the severity of your injuries
Insurance companies won’t just take your word for it that you were injured and what your costs were. They need to see verifiable proof, which comes from your medical records and doctor’s notes.
They establish a timeline
Getting proper care as soon as possible shows that you treated your injuries seriously. Medical records mark the important dates: the accident, the first checkup, any follow-up visits, and ongoing treatment. Anyone reviewing your claim can see right away that you didn’t wait too long or avoid treatment. This timeline also rules out gaps in care, which insurers might point to if they’re looking for inconsistencies.
They document treatment and recovery
Recovering from an injury often comes with multiple steps, like doctor visits, surgery, physical rehab, and months of rest. All these efforts are detailed in medical records. They help you show that healing isn’t always quick. If you need extra rounds of physical therapy, changes in medication, or additional doctor opinions, all of that should be demonstrated in your records.
They help establish pain and suffering claims
Your records can also show documentation of mental-health symptoms and treatment (e.g., therapy, psychiatry) that can support non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. However, in auto accident cases, Minnesota’s No-Fault Act requires meeting a statutory threshold before recovering these damages.
They counter the insurance company’s arguments
It’s common for insurance companies to try to push back against your demand for compensation. They often do this by arguing that your injuries aren’t as severe as you say they are. With detailed medical records, your injuries, treatment, and expenses become much harder to dispute.
They determine compensation amounts
An effective personal injury claim must include proof of past and reasonably certain future medical needs. Without accurate records of treatment, it’s not going to be possible to show what you’re truly entitled to.
Common mistakes to avoid after an accident
With the shock and confusion of an accident, it’s easy to make mistakes that could weaken your injury claim later. Knowing what not to do can protect your health and your case.
Failing to seek medical treatment
Even minor symptoms should not be ignored after an accident. Waiting too long to see a doctor can lead to doubts about whether your injury was serious or even linked to the accident. Insurance companies may claim you weren’t really hurt if you don’t seek treatment. Quick action not only safeguards your well-being but lets you show clear proof of your injuries.
Gaps in treatment or skipping doctor visits
Stopping medical care, missing appointments, or not following prescribed advice can make your own claim look suspicious to insurers. When they see irregular attendance, they may argue that you’re not as injured as you claim or that your injuries have healed. Regular visits help document both your pain and the efforts you’re making to recover.
Not telling your doctor about all symptoms
When you see your doctor, it’s important to tell them all of your symptoms, even if you think they are minor or are hesitant to share them for some reason. This is important for your health and also your case. If you are trying to recover compensation for an injury that you never shared with your healthcare provider, it might prove difficult to succeed.
With decades of handling personal injury cases and a history of being honored by organizations like Minnesota Super Lawyers, Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC can guide you through every step of a complicated legal process. If you or a loved one was in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation with a Minnesota personal injury lawyer.