How Do I Request My Medical Records for My Lawsuit?
Your medical records contain personal, private information you generally don’t want others to see. That’s why there are strict laws governing when and how doctors can release these records. But medical records often play a crucial role in a personal injury case, so you need to know how to obtain these documents. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to obtaining your medical records in Texas.
Step 1: Determine the Records You Need
To build a strong case, it’s crucial to have complete and accurate medical records. Before you request your records, make a list of all the doctors, hospitals, and medical facilities where you received treatment. You may need records that detail your:
- Initial diagnosis
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Follow-up appointments
- Medical bills and expenses
Step 2: Obtain the Necessary Forms
In Texas, you have the right to access your medical records. To request them, you must complete an Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (PHI) form. You can usually find these forms on a healthcare provider’s website or at their office. You can also contact the provider’s medical records department and request the forms be sent to you.
Step 3: Fill Out the Forms Accurately
When filling out the authorization forms, be sure to provide accurate and complete information. You’ll need to include:
- Your full name, date of birth, and contact information
- The name and address of the healthcare provider(s) holding your records
- A description of the specific records you’re requesting
- The purpose of your request (for example, “personal injury lawsuit”)
- An expiration date for the authorization
Step 4: Submit Your Request
Once you’ve completed the authorization forms, submit them to the healthcare provider(s) holding your records. You can typically submit the forms via mail, fax, or email. Be sure to keep a copy of the submitted forms for your records.
Step 5: Follow Up
Medical providers have 15 business days to respond to your request in Texas. If you haven’t received a response within this timeframe, follow up with the medical records department to check on the status of your request.
Step 6: Review Your Records
After you receive your medical records, review them carefully. Ensure they are accurate, complete, and relevant to your personal injury lawsuit. Contact the healthcare provider to request corrections if you discover any errors or inconsistencies.
Why Your Medical Records Matter in a Personal Injury Case
In any personal injury case, medical records are essential in establishing the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. They provide a detailed account of your medical history, treatments, and prognosis, helping to paint a clear picture of your experience. Some reasons you want to use your medical records in a personal injury case include:
- Demonstrating the Severity of Your Injuries: Medical records provide concrete evidence of the injuries you sustained due to someone else’s negligence. They include diagnostic reports, treatment plans, and progress notes that detail the severity of your injuries. This information is vital in proving the extent of your suffering and the need for compensation.
- Establishing a Timeline of Events: Your medical records can help establish a timeline of events from the moment you sustained your injuries to your current condition. This timeline can demonstrate the ongoing impact of your injuries and the necessity of continued medical care.
- Proving Causation: To receive compensation in a personal injury case, you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Medical records can help establish a link between the negligent party’s actions and your injuries. For example, they may show that your injuries were not pre-existing and were directly caused by the incident in question.
- Calculating Damages: Medical records are crucial in calculating damages in a personal injury case. They provide evidence of your medical expenses, including the cost of doctor visits, medications, surgeries, and ongoing therapies. These records help determine the amount of compensation needed to cover your past and future medical expenses.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Obtain Your Medical Records
A personal injury attorney can be a valuable ally in obtaining your medical records and building a strong case. Here’s how they can help:
- Identifying Necessary Records: Your attorney can help you determine which medical records are crucial to your case, ensuring you request the most relevant and supportive documents.
- Handling Requests: An attorney can handle the entire process of requesting medical records on your behalf. They can complete and submit the authorization forms, follow up with healthcare providers, and address any issues that arise.
- Reviewing Records: Your attorney can help you review your medical records for accuracy and completeness. They can identify any inconsistencies or missing information and request corrections or additional documents as needed.
Contact an Austin Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Our firm understands Texas law concerning medical records and can help you obtain the documents you need for your personal injury case. Call us today or visit our contact page to learn more.