Principle Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident, getting medical treatment is crucial for your health as well as your legal claim. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, a fall, or another incident caused by someone else, you’ll need more than your word to prove it.
Medical records are one of the most important forms of evidence in a personal injury case. They document what happened to you, how severe your injuries are, and how your life has been affected. In this blog, we’ll explain why these records matter, how they support your case, and what steps you should take to protect your claim.
What’s Included in Medical Records?
Your medical records tell the story of your injury — not just that it happened, but how it affected your body, your life, and your ability to recover. These records can include:
- Emergency room or hospital intake reports
- X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and imaging results
- Doctor’s notes, diagnostic summaries, and treatment plans
- Physical therapy progress updates
- Surgical records and follow-up care
- Prescription medication history
These documents form a timeline that connects the accident to your injuries. They also help establish the extent of your pain and the road to recovery.
Why Getting Treatment Right Away Matters
One of the most common tricks insurance companies use is to downplay the seriousness of your injuries if you didn’t seek care right away. They may argue:
- “If it were that bad, they would’ve gone to the ER.”
- “They waited too long to see a doctor — it must not be related to the accident.”
- “They missed follow-ups, so they probably healed already.”
Even if you felt okay at first, some injuries (like concussions or soft tissue damage) take time to show up. The key is to get evaluated as soon as possible and to keep up with treatment. Gaps or delays can weaken your case and reduce your potential compensation.
How Medical Records Support Your Claim
Medical documentation does more than show that you were hurt. It helps prove:
- Causation — your injuries resulted from the accident, not something else
- Severity — how serious the injuries were and how long they lasted
- Economic damages — including medical bills, rehab costs, and lost wages
- Non-economic damages — such as pain and suffering or reduced quality of life
Without clear, consistent medical records, it’s much easier for the insurance company to offer a lowball settlement or try to deny your claim entirely.
What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do With Your Medical Records
To make sure your records help — not hurt — your claim, keep the following in mind:
DO:
- See a doctor immediately after your accident
- Follow all treatment plans, including physical therapy
- Keep copies of bills, visit summaries, and prescriptions
- Share everything with your attorney, even minor treatments
DON’T:
- Skip appointments or ignore referrals
- Stop treatment early because you “feel better”
- Post about your injuries or progress on social media
- Send records directly to the insurance company without legal advice
Your actions after the accident are just as important as the records themselves.
How We Use Your Medical Records to Build a Strong Case
At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we know how to use medical records effectively and will work closely with your doctors to:
- Build a medical timeline that supports your case
- Identify key documentation to challenge the insurance company’s version of events
- Show the full impact of your injuries — physical, emotional, and financial
This strategy enables us to negotiate for a fair settlement or prepare for trial if necessary.
Contact a Denver Personal Injury Attorney Today
Medical records aren’t just paperwork. They’re crucial evidence to support your personal injury claim. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, a slip and fall, or another serious accident in Denver, we’re here to help. Call today for a free consultation.