When you are injured in an accident, your medical documentation tells the story of your injuries, establishing how they happened, their severity, and how they affect your life. In New Jersey, medical records are among the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury case. If you are filing a claim or lawsuit and have questions or concerns about the role that medical records will play in your case, continue reading for more information. Contact a knowledgeable Middlesex County personal injury attorney to secure skilled representation during your case.
What Are Medical Records and What Do They Contain?
Medical records are detailed documents that healthcare providers create during your treatment. They include information about your diagnosis, treatment, medications, test results, and recovery process.
After an injury, your medical records will begin with the first time you are examined, whether in an emergency room or a doctor’s office. Any paper trail of information related to your injuries and care is considered medical records, including hospital reports, doctors’ notes, diagnostic test results, physical therapy records, prescriptions, and pain management records.
Why Are Medical Records Important in an NJ Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Under NJ Court Rule 4:18-1, either party in a personal injury case can request medical documentation during discovery. In order to be admissible in court, all records must be authenticated and verified. But why are these documents so important?
Medical records serve several important purposes during a personal injury lawsuit. One of the most important things this type of evidence does is prove the existence and extent of your injuries. Medical records provide clear, factual evidence that you sustained injuries and required treatment. They include details about the severity, duration, and prognosis of your condition.
During any personal injury case, establishing the defendant’s liability is crucial in successfully recovering compensation. Your medical records will help link your injuries directly to the accident and prove that the defendant was responsible, not some pre-existing condition or other incident.
Medical bills and treatment records are also used to calculate economic damages, which is crucial in ensuring you are awarded a fair amount of compensation. Records also support non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress by establishing the severity of the injury and its impact on your daily life. This ensures that calculations are made accurately and you can be reimbursed for your expenses.
Consistent medical documentation is important for a variety of reasons and reinforces the credibility of your testimony and case. To learn more about how to effectively use medical records as evidence in your lawsuit, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney today.
