At the David W. Martin Law Group, our South Carolina personal injury attorneys know that medical evidence is crucial to our clients’ cases. Your medical records can prove that your injuries happened in the accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Obtaining a copy of the medical records related to your injury is necessary to build a solid claim to submit to the insurance company. These records will show exactly when the injury occurred, the symptoms it caused, and your progress during treatment.
Medical records can also help calculate the value of an injury. When you pursue compensation from the insurance company, you must prove the monetary award you are entitled to due to the accident. Your medical documentation can show your expenses while recovering from the injury.
Here, we discuss the best way to obtain your medical records.
How Can I Request Copies of My Medical Records in South Carolina?
When requesting copies of your medical records, you must complete an authorization form that allows your physician(s) to release this vital information.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects a person’s privacy regarding their personal health information. The act guarantees an individual’s right to copies of their requested medical records.
It also prevents unauthorized parties from obtaining the documents.
HIPAA outlines multiple regulations regarding the process for accessing medical documentation, which include:
- Fees required to make copies of the medical records, if applicable.
- The length of time healthcare professionals have to respond to records requests.
- Where you can view your records.
Once the form is completed, you can request copies of your medical records:
- In-Person
You could request a copy of your file from your doctor’s office. They might require you to fill out some forms to obtain your records and pay a small copying fee.
- Online
Some healthcare professionals have an online patient portal you can use to request your records. You can submit the request and ask for copies to be sent electronically.
The records you receive will be in PDF form so you can save them to your computer. This simplifies the process, especially if you need to submit your medical records to another party, like your personal injury lawyer.
Should I Share My Medical Records with the Insurance Company?
Insurance companies often ask personal injury victims for copies of their medical records so they understand the extent of their injuries. The insurance representative may state that it is the only way to assess the damages so they can pay for your injuries.
In reality, they are looking for any pre-existing conditions that they can blame for your injuries or any other angle that will allow them to dispute your claim.
You don’t have to comply with the request.
You should also avoid signing any paperwork the insurance carrier sends, which may include a release of blanket medical records.
You don’t have to submit documentation to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Contact our David W. Martin Law Group Attorneys in South Carolina Today
Contact our David W. Martin Law Group personal injury attorneys in South Carolina today by calling (803)-548-2468 or contact us online to ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process so you can confidently move forward.
