Medical Records Play A Key Role In Monterey Personal Injury Claims
Personal injuries in Monterey can have major impacts on your health and your financial security. When your injuries happen due to the reckless and negligent behavior of others involved, you have the right to hold them liable for the costs that result. Our Monterey personal injury lawyer explains the important role medical records play in filing a claim.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Care For Personal Injuries In Monterey
Car crashes, slips and falls, and sports or recreational accidents are all common causes of personal injuries in Monterey. Any time you are involved in any type of incident in which others may be to blame, it is important to notify the police or other authorities immediately and to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not taking either of these steps could impact your health and your rights in a personal injury claim.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), roughly 30,000 people visit hospital emergency rooms each year due to personal injuries in Monterey County. Medical records obtained from these visits provide important evidence when seeking compensation. The information they provide includes:
- A record of how and when your injuries happened;
- Details about your injuries, that are used in making a diagnosis;
- The symptoms you suffer from and how they impact your overall health;
- Information about attending physicians and other medical providers you came into contact with, which can prove useful in obtaining more detailed statements to use as evidence at a later date.
The Types of Medical Records Needed in Filing A Claim
Under the California Civil Code, everyone is responsible for reckless actions or inactions that result in personal injuries to others. However, in order to file a claim, you will need to prove you suffered actual harm.
Medical records play a crucial role in documenting your injuries, detailing the impacts on your current health, and any ongoing impacts you are likely to suffer. All of this information is used in determining any compensation that should be awarded in your claim. Common types of medical records needed in Monterey personal injury cases include:
- Statements from your family doctor or local emergency room, detailing when you first sought treatment;
- Results from any diagnostic testing you underwent;
- Records pertaining to treatment and referrals to other providers or specialists;
- Notes from any follow-up visits or physical therapy;
- Lists of all prescribed medications and any over-the-counter treatments or medical devices, such as canes or crutches;
- Statements from providers concerning your prognosis for recovery, the amount of time it will likely take, and any long-term impairments you may suffer.
Contact Our Monterey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
When personal injuries in Monterey happen due to negligence on the part of others, medical records play a key role in getting the compensation you need to recover. At the Allen Law Firm, we help you gather all the information needed. To request a consultation, call or contact our Monterey personal injury lawyer online today.
Sources:
epicenter.cdph.ca.gov/ReportMenus/DataSummaries.aspx
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1714.&lawCode=CIV
