Personal Injury Case – Medical Records

If you were injured by someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may be eligible for compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional damages you’ve suffered. Your medical records are arguably one of the strongest pieces of evidence in your case — here’s what medical records to get copies of and what to do next.  

Emergency Medical Records 

If your injury resulted in a trip to the emergency room, it’s absolutely critical that you obtain those records. Notes from the hospital staff of your condition immediately after the injury and what care was required are essential to establishing the severity of the accident and subsequent injury. 

Surgical Records 

If your injury required surgery, ask for copies of your medical records from pre to post-op. The surgeon who operated on you will likely have included multiple notes about the nature of the injury after close internal and external examination. 

For example, say you were bitten by a dog and the wound was the size of a dime. Your surgeon, however, discovers that the bite is a puncture wound about 3” deep, meaning the injury is much more serious. These records would be tantamount in your lawsuit. 

Pharmacy Records 

Your pharmaceutical records can indicate what kind of medication you had to take after your injury. Were you on heavy-duty pain medications? Antibiotics to ward off infection? Anti-anxiety medication to help keep you calm? This can further illustrate the severity of your injury and the scope of your healing journey. 

Counseling Records 

In many cases, individuals need to seek counseling after a devastating accident. People hurt in car accidents may have anxiety surrounding riding in a vehicle and require counseling to help them manage their symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder is common after accidents that result in injury, and individuals suffering from disfigurement may have self-esteem issues. If you were seen by a counselor after your accident, providing your counseling records can help show how the injury impacted your mental health. 

How to Get Help After an Injury 

If you or a loved one were hurt via an act of negligence, such as a car accident or medical malpractice, it’s key to obtain legal help as soon as possible. At Chalker Injury Law, we have the skills and experience to guide you through the process of bringing a legal claim forward for compensation. Contact us today for a consultation to learn more about your legal rights after an injury by calling (800) 393-8595.