How Medical Records Impact Your Personal Injury Claim in Nebraska
Medical records are one of the most important elements to a personal injury claim. Taking the right steps when it comes to documenting your entire medical expense process is vital to have your desired outcome in terms of fair compensation.
Medical Records Establish the Existence of an Injury
Medical records are what prove that an injury actually occurred. The bottom line is that you need to have a paper trail to support all of your claims pertaining to your injury and lost wages, so having these records as organized as possible will serve you greatly.
The main aspects that lie within medical records are diagnoses, imaging results, and physician notes which all create objective evidence. Without having this level of documentation, insurers could argue that injuries are exaggerated or unrelated. The more immediate the treatment, the higher the likelihood that it will be connected to the accident.
How Medical Records Impact the Value of Your Claim
Medical records help to determine the severity of injuries by featuring things like treatment types you get and the duration of them. These records are used to support claims for things like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any future medical care. Any missing or incomplete medical records can result in significantly lower settlement offers.
The best way to understand the standard protocol with medical records in Nebraska is to thoroughly review Nebraska’s updated Statutes Relating to Medical Records. This covers areas such as legislative findings, defined terms and conditions, and general medical record access.
The Role of Medical Records in Pre-Existing Conditions
It’s common for insurers to investigate records for previous injuries or medical conditions. One of the purposes of having updated medical records is to show whether or not an accident caused further harm to these already existing conditions.
Clear physician statements help distinguish these old injuries from the new ones, and pre-existing conditions do not automatically prevent someone from receiving compensation according to Nebraska law.
Common Medical Record Mistakes That Can Hurt a Claim
Many people tend to make mistakes when it comes to how they approach their medical treatment and records following their accident. A primary issue is getting delayed medical treatment, which is why you should seek that treatment as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you need it.
Missing medical appointments or not following medical advice can also be detrimental to your case. Failing to report your symptoms and minimizing your pain or symptoms throughout your record goes along with these mistakes.
All these problems can contribute to a loss of appropriate wages and compensation.
Protecting Your Claim Through Proper Medical Care
Proper medical care is essential not only for your physical recovery, but also for protecting your personal injury claim. Seeking fast treatment, following medical advice, and attending all recommended appointments help create a consistent medical record that accurately reflects your injuries. These records serve as objective proof of your condition and prevent insurers from arguing that your injuries were minor, exaggerated, or unrelated to the accident.
Being proactive about medical care also helps document the progression of your injuries over time, which is especially important if symptoms worsen or require ongoing treatment. By taking your medical care seriously and keeping thorough records, you protect both your health and your legal rights. When questions are brought up about how medical records may affect your claim, consulting a Nebraska personal injury lawyer can help ensure nothing is overlooked.
Seeking Legal Help
Seeking a skilled personal injury attorney can help identify gaps or inconsistencies in medical records and work with treating physicians or medical experts to clarify those issues before insurance companies use them against you. If you need legal assistance throughout this process, Shasteen, Morris & Ockander PC is here to help. Make sure you reach out for your free consultation as soon as you can to maximize your compensation potential and to limit your general expenses.
