What Medical Records Are and What They Include
The immediate focus following a dog attack should be on getting medical care. But once the initial shock fades, many people are surprised to learn just how critical their medical records become in proving a dog bite case. These records often form the foundation of a strong insurance claim or lawsuit, and without them, securing compensation becomes significantly harder.
Working with an experienced Atlanta dog bite lawyer ensures your medical documentation is collected, organized, and presented effectively. Properly gathered medical records can make the difference between a denied claim and a full, fair recovery.
How Medical Records Are Stored
Medical records are detailed documents created by healthcare professionals that describe your injuries, your symptoms, and the treatment you received. After a dog bite, this may include urgent care notes, wound care plans, photographs taken by medical staff, vaccination information, and follow-up visit documentation. These records provide a professional, objective view of the injury, something insurance adjusters and courts rely on when determining the severity of harm and necessary compensation.
Today, most medical facilities in Georgia use electronic health records (EHR) systems. These digital files make it easier to track treatment over time and ensure nothing is lost. Records typically include timestamps, provider notes, test results, and even scanned copies of documents. Because dog bite injuries sometimes worsen over days or weeks, having a clear, chronological account of symptoms and treatment helps show how the injury progressed.
Under Georgia and federal law, patients have the right to request and receive copies of their medical records. These can typically be obtained through a hospital or clinic’s medical records department, often by submitting a request form and photo identification. While facilities may charge a small fee for copies, the process is generally straightforward. However, it’s important not to delay. Insurance companies often move quickly, and having your records ready helps your attorney build your case efficiently. An attorney can also request records on your behalf, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Why Medical Records Are Essential in a Dog Bite Case
Medical records serve as the backbone of a dog bite injury claim for several reasons:
- They prove the injury happened. Insurance companies commonly challenge claims by arguing that the injury was preexisting or unrelated. A medical record created immediately after the attack clearly links the injury to the dog bite.
- They show the severity of the attack. Photographs, wound descriptions, and provider assessments all help quantify pain, scarring, infection risk, and long-term complications.
- They demonstrate the cost of care. Bills, treatment plans, and diagnostic records show the financial impact of the injury, forming a basis for compensation.
- They support claims for future damages. If a victim requires follow-up care, physical therapy, or scar revision surgery, an Atlanta dog bite lawyer can use medical records to prove the need for ongoing treatment.
Are you in possession of medical documentation connected to your dog bite injury? The lawyers at Zagoria Neely Injury Attorneys are available to review the documentation you have and gather evidence if you don’t have all of your records in place. Contact us today.
