Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Consult a qualified Minnesota personal injury attorney for guidance tailored to your case.
Detailed Answer
Medical records from your initial emergency department visit and subsequent chiropractic care can strengthen your personal injury claim by documenting the accident’s impact, treatment details, and ongoing recovery. Insurers and courts rely on these records to confirm your injuries, link them to the incident, and assess damages.
1. Establishing Injury Onset and Severity
Your emergency department records capture your complaints, diagnostic tests, and immediate treatment. Emergency intake forms, X-ray reports, and physician notes provide objective data on your condition:
- Date and time of arrival
- Initial symptoms and pain levels
- Imaging results (e.g., X-rays, CT scans)
- Physician’s diagnosis and prescribed treatment
This documentation forms the baseline for your injuries.
2. Demonstrating Ongoing Treatment and Care
Chiropractic treatment records show how your condition evolved and responded to therapy. They include:
- Treatment dates and modalities (spinal adjustments, traction, massage)
- Progress notes detailing pain relief or persistent symptoms
- Therapist’s professional assessments and recommendations
- Home exercise programs
These records illustrate the duration, intensity, and necessity of your care.
3. Obtaining and Authenticating Records
In Minnesota, health care providers must comply with Minnesota Statutes section 144.291. You must sign a HIPAA-compliant authorization to request records. Providers must respond within 30 days and may charge a reasonable fee.
To authenticate records for court or negotiation:
- Obtain certified copies signed by the provider
- Include a cover letter explaining the chain of custody
- Use the business records exception under Minnesota Rule of Evidence 803(6) to admit records without witness testimony
4. Leveraging Records in Your Claim
Organize records chronologically and create a medical summary. Highlight key entries that link your injuries directly to the accident. Use records to calculate:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Physical limitations and ongoing care needs
Remember Minnesota’s 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury actions (Minn. Stat. § 541.07). File within this period to preserve your claim.
Helpful Hints
- Request records promptly—missed deadlines can delay your claim.
- Review records for errors or omissions and request corrections.
- Keep both digital and paper copies in a secure, organized folder.
- Work with a medical expert to translate technical jargon for jurors or adjusters.
- Track all medical bills and receipts separately to support economic damages.
- Consult an attorney early to ensure strategic use of your medical evidence.