Medical documentation is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury case. If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, medical evidence can help establish the extent of your damages, demonstrate the cause-and-effect relationship, and provide a basis for the amount of compensation you deserve.
Why Is Medical Documentation in Personal Injury Cases Important?
Medical records, laboratory reports, diagnostic tests, physical rehabilitation notes, and other documentation will help determine the severity of your injuries, showcase their impact on your daily life, and play an important role in calculating the compensation you could receive.
Comprehensive medical documentation will also strengthen your personal injury case. In many situations, the attorneys or insurance company representing the defendant (the negligent party) will argue that your injuries were pre-existing or resulted from some other incident. Your medical evidence will help prove that your injuries were a direct result of the defendant’s negligence and indicate how much compensation is appropriate to cover the medical treatment you have received and will require in the future.
Types of Personal Injury Medical Documentation
Depending on the type of personal injury case, you may need several types of essential medical documentation. Talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about the specifics of your situation to determine exactly what medical evidence you need to collect.
Medical Records, Reports, & Notes
All medical records, reports, and notes related to the diagnosis or treatment of your injuries are important for your personal injury case. Be sure to obtain copies of your medical records, laboratory reports, diagnostic tests, blood work or scans, imaging reports (x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.), rehabilitation records, doctor’s notes, and other relevant documentation.
Photographs of Injuries
Photograph or video evidence of your injuries is extremely helpful for your personal injury case. Take detailed photos and videos of your injuries from various angles. Capture any visible scrapes, bruises, or other wounds, and make sure you backup the images in a secure location.
Treatment-Related Receipts
Keep copies of all treatment-related receipts, including ambulance bills, travel expenses, co-payments, prescriptions, medical equipment, special foods, or any other medical expenses related to your injuries. These receipts will be essential when calculating compensation.
Medical Provider Correspondence
Document all correspondence with healthcare professionals who provide you with treatment of any kind related to your injuries, including doctors, physical therapists, psychologists, or other medical providers. This correspondence can serve as evidence of the extent of your injuries as well as provide an expert opinion on your treatment.
Detailed Injury Journal
Maintain a daily, detailed journal of your injuries. Include descriptions of your injuries, treatment, symptoms, pain, limitations, and any other details you can think of. Be as detailed and thorough as possible.
How to Collect Medical Documentation for Personal Injury Cases
Gathering and organizing medical documentation is key to the outcome of your personal injury case. Follow these steps to collect important medical data:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Take photos and videos of your injuries
- Keep records of all treatment received
- Ask your medical providers for a line-item bill
- Log out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
- Keep a daily journal log of your injuries
Having this evidence in hand will help support your personal injury case.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Vasilatos Injury Law. We have represented hundreds of personal injury clients and obtained millions of dollars in awards for our clients in Chicago and across Illinois.
Our personal injury attorneys have experience in all aspects of personal injury law, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the best possible compensation. Regardless of the nature of your case, you can rely on us to guide you toward a favorable outcome for you and your family.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Leave a Comment