Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Detailed Answer
Chiropractic treatment records can bolster your personal injury claim in Pennsylvania. They document your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment plan, and billing history. Courts view these records as reliable evidence of your injuries and care.
Under the business records exception to the hearsay rule (Pa. R. Evid. 803(6)), chiropractic files qualify as admissible evidence if created (1) in the regular course of business, (2) at or near the time of each visit, and (3) by someone with knowledge of the treatment entries.
To present these records in court, you need proper authentication. Your chiropractor or another witness can attest to how and when they made the entries. A chiropractor may also offer expert opinions on causation and prognosis under Pa. R. Evid. 703, explaining how your accident led to the injuries treated.
During discovery, the opposing party can request your treatment records under Pa. R. Civ. P. 4003.5. You must produce non-privileged documents after a written request, typically within 60 days. If you have privacy or confidentiality concerns, your attorney can seek a protective order to limit disclosure.
Strategically, use your chiropractic records to show a consistent treatment chronology. Pair them with imaging reports, emergency room records, and expert analyses. Highlight any increases in treatment frequency or intensity to demonstrate ongoing pain or worsening symptoms.
Helpful Hints
- Keep a clear, chronological log of symptoms and treatment sessions.
- Ask your chiropractor to note objective findings (e.g., range of motion, X-ray or MRI results).
- Verify that your chiropractor holds a valid Pennsylvania license.
- Retain original invoices, consent forms, and treatment plans.
- Work with your attorney to secure records and comply with Pa. R. Civ. P. 4003.5.