In this article, you can discover…
- The role of medical records in a personal injury case.
- How to select a doctor for medical treatment following an injury.
- Ways to ensure medical records are accurate and thorough.
How Can Medical Records Strengthen My Injury Claim?
The success of a workers’ compensation claim depends on proper medical care and the proper documentation of injuries. Because of this, it is extremely important to get medical care as soon as possible after an injury, ideally within 24 hours.
You should also make sure that you see the correct type of doctor for your injury. For example, if you suffer from a suspected slipped disk, you should make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist instead of a general practitioner.
What Types Of Medical Evidence Should I Collect For My Case?
Medical records are the most important pieces of evidence. Make sure that you have records from every single doctor’s visit and from every specialist. An after-visit summary won’t be enough. Be sure to have official and complete medical records to provide the strongest and clearest evidence of your injury.
Attorney Michael Weber is a seasoned injury attorney serving Ohio. For 35 years, he’s helped clients navigate personal injury law, preserve and collect evidence of an injury, and work with the board for fair and meaningful compensation.
Have questions about the role of medical records in your workers’ comp case?
Reach out to the Weber & Bellman Law Firm at (513) 450-4405 for an initial consultation today.
Can One Select Their Own Doctor For The Medical Treatment?
Any doctor you select must be certified by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation as a workers’ comp provider. Not all doctors are certified, and it’s important to select a doctor from whom the workers’ comp board will recognize and accept an opinion.
How Can I Ensure My Medical Records Are Thorough And Accurate?
The prime key to accuracy in your medical records is clear and thorough communication with your doctor. A doctor can’t officially record what you don’t tell them!
Be sure to be as detailed and thorough as possible when describing your injury to your doctor. Include the body parts involved, symptoms, pain, and any day-to-day difficulties you’re noticing after the accident.
Once you receive your medical records in hand, read over them carefully to check for accuracy. If you notice errors or omissions, contact your doctor so they can make the necessary corrections and send you an updated and accurate copy.
Has There Been A Case You’ve Worked On Where A Contested Issue With Medical Records Was Pivotal?
Some hearings I’ve been involved in have featured clients mentioning injuries during the hearing that had never been described to a doctor. As a result, these medical issues were never documented properly and could not be validly brought forward as evidence.
Workers’ comp law is incredibly detailed and specific. You must have a diagnosis for a body part to allow that body part’s injury to be compensated. This is why it is so important to make sure that every injury and every body part involved in an injury is described accurately to a doctor and recorded formally.
For more information on The Importance Of Medical Records In Ohio, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (513) 450-4405 today.
Attorney Michael Weber is a seasoned injury attorney serving Ohio. For 35 years, he’s helped clients navigate personal injury law, preserve and collect evidence of an injury, and work with the board for fair and meaningful compensation.
Have questions about the role of medical records in your workers’ comp case?
Reach out to the Weber & Bellman Law Firm at (513) 450-4405 for an initial consultation today.
