After an accident in Las Cruces, you might wonder what documentation you’ll need if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. Among the most critical pieces of evidence in any injury case are your medical records. These documents serve as the foundation for proving both the extent of your injuries and the connection between the accident and your medical treatment. Understanding why medical records matter and how to properly obtain them can significantly impact the outcome of your Las Cruces personal injury case.
Why Medical Records Are Essential in Personal Injury Claims
Medical records provide objective, detailed documentation of your injuries and treatment. Unlike your own account of what happened, medical records offer professional assessments from healthcare providers who examined you, diagnosed your condition, and recommended treatment. Insurance companies and courts rely heavily on this documentation when evaluating personal injury claims.
Your medical records establish a clear timeline linking the accident to your injuries. When you seek medical attention immediately after an accident, those initial records create a crucial connection between the incident and your physical condition. Any delay in treatment can give insurance adjusters grounds to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or may have occurred from another source.
These records also document the severity and progression of your injuries over time. They show whether your condition improved with treatment, required ongoing care, or resulted in permanent limitations. This information directly impacts the compensation you may be entitled to receive for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Medical Records Should You Collect?
A comprehensive collection of medical records strengthens your personal injury case. Start with emergency room records if you received immediate treatment after the accident. These initial assessments often prove most valuable because they document your injuries before any questions arise about alternative causes.
Include all follow-up treatment records from specialists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and any other healthcare providers you’ve seen. Each appointment adds to the story of your recovery journey and demonstrates the ongoing impact of your injuries. Don’t overlook mental health records if you’ve experienced emotional distress, anxiety, or depression following the accident.
Diagnostic test results such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and lab work provide visual proof of internal injuries that might not be immediately apparent. These technical records often carry significant weight with insurance companies and in court proceedings.
Your prescription records and medication history also matter. They show what pain management and other treatments your doctors deemed necessary, further supporting claims about the severity of your condition.
How to Obtain Your Medical Records
Under federal HIPAA regulations, you have the right to access your own medical records. Most healthcare providers require you to submit a written request, often on a specific form they provide. Some facilities now offer patient portals where you can download records electronically.
Be prepared to pay reasonable copying fees, which vary by provider and state regulations. New Mexico law limits what providers can charge for medical records, but fees still apply. Plan ahead because obtaining records can take several weeks, depending on the provider’s procedures and workload.
When requesting records, be specific about the date range you need. Request all records related to the accident and any pre-existing conditions that might be relevant. Complete documentation prevents insurance companies from claiming gaps in treatment or questioning the cause of your injuries.
Common Mistakes That Can Weaken Your Case
Missing or incomplete medical records create opportunities for insurance companies to minimize your claim. If you fail to document all your treatment, adjusters may argue that your injuries weren’t serious enough to warrant ongoing care.
Gaps in treatment raise red flags. If you stopped seeing doctors for several months, then resumed treatment, insurance adjusters may question whether your continued pain relates to the original accident. Always follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and attend all scheduled appointments.
Being dishonest about pre-existing conditions can severely damage your credibility. If you had previous injuries to the same area of your body, your medical records will reveal this information. It’s better to address pre-existing conditions honestly and show how the accident aggravated or worsened them.
Refusing to sign medical release forms when working with an attorney can delay your case unnecessarily. Your legal representative needs access to your complete medical history to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
How Medical Records Support Your Compensation Claim
Your medical records directly influence the damages you can recover. They provide the evidence needed to calculate your past and future medical expenses. Without proper documentation, you cannot prove what treatment you received or what ongoing care you’ll require.
These records also support claims for lost wages and diminished earning capacity. When doctors restrict your activities or place you on limited duty, those notations in your medical files justify compensation for income you couldn’t earn during recovery.
Pain and suffering damages, while more subjective, still rely on medical documentation. Treatment notes that describe your pain levels, limitations in daily activities, and reduced quality of life help quantify these non-economic damages.
Working with Experienced Legal Representation
At Ruhmann Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys in Las Cruces understand how to leverage medical records to build compelling cases for clients throughout New Mexico and West Texas. We handle the process of obtaining medical records on behalf of our clients, ensuring nothing gets overlooked. Our team reviews records carefully to identify all injuries and treatments that should be included in your claim.
Our firm takes all qualifying cases on a contingent basis, which mea0ns we charge zero upfront fees to represent our clients. We work directly with each client throughout the case, remaining responsive to their needs and concerns. After all, your case is about you and the compensation you deserve for the harm you’ve suffered.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Las Cruces or anywhere throughout New Mexico, gathering your medical records is one of the most important steps you can take. These documents form the backbone of your personal injury claim and directly impact the compensation you may receive for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
For a free consultation about your personal injury case, contact the Ruhmann Law Firm today at 915-234-1639. We’re dedicated to helping injury victims throughout Texas and New Mexico pursue the full compensation they deserve. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you, so you can tell your story privately, knowing we are there to listen.