How Medical Records Can Make or Break Your Slip and Fall Injury Claim

When you slip and fall, your medical records are key to your claim. They tell the story of your injuries, treatment and how your injuries have affected your life. In some cases, medical records can be the difference between getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Here’s how medical records can make or break your slip and fall injury claim.

What are Medical Records Important in a Slip and Fall Case?

Medical records are a part of any slip and fall injury claim. They document your injuries and treatment so you can prove the extent of your injuries and whether they were caused by the accident.

• Establish the Injury: Medical records will link your slip and fall to your injuries. Without proper documentation, it’s hard to prove the injuries were caused by the accident.
• Prove the Severity: Your medical records show the severity of your injuries and the ongoing impact they may have. This can be critical in determining the amount of compensation you should get.
• Support Your Claim: Insurance companies require evidence of medical treatment to validate your claim. Your medical records are proof you got the treatment you needed and followed the plan.

What Information Do Medical Records Include?

Medical records contain important information about your injury and treatment. Knowing what’s in them will help you navigate your slip and fall claim.

• Initial Diagnosis: The doctor will note the nature of your injuries, including broken bones, sprains, strains or more serious trauma.
• Treatment Plans: Your medical records will include the treatment you received, medications, surgeries, physical therapy and follow-up care.
• Progress Notes: These notes track your progress and if any complications arise. These can be used to show the long-term impact of your injury.
• Test Results: If you had imaging, X-rays or MRIs, the results will be in your records, to prove the extent of your injuries.

What Happens If Your Records Are Missing or Incomplete

While your medical records can help your claim, missing or incomplete records can hurt your case. Here’s how:

• Gaps in Treatment: If there are gaps between doctor visits or you don’t seek immediate medical attention after the incident, the defense can argue your injuries were not as serious as you claim.
• Lack of Documentation: If your medical records don’t clearly link your injuries to the slip and fall accident, it’s hard to prove your injuries are directly related to the accident.
• Delayed Treatment: Delays in seeking treatment can be used against you by insurance companies or the defendant, that your injuries were not as severe as you claim.

Why Accurate Medical Records Are Key to Your Claim

Accurate and complete medical records are crucial to a solid slip and fall case. Here’s why they are important:

• Help Your Personal Injury Lawyer Build a Strong Case: Your slip and fall injury lawyer can use your medical records to show you suffered significant injuries after your accident and needed long term care, making your claim more persuasive.
• Support Your Need for Compensation: If your injuries require long term treatment or have caused permanent damage, medical records can show the need for compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
• Speed Up the Claims Process: Having complete and accurate records can make it easier for your lawyer to negotiate with insurance companies, potentially speeding up the settlement.

Call Steinberg Injury Lawyers for Help with Your Slip and Fall Claim

If you’ve been in a slip and fall accident, make sure your medical records are up to date. A slip and fall lawyer at Steinberg Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the process and make sure your records are used to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a consultation to learn more about properly handling legal challenges after accidents like a slip and fall.