9 things your patients will thank you for knowing about their personal injury case- part 1

When patients seek treatment as part of a personal injury claim, medical professionals have a duty to support them in substantiating their claims as well as in providing mindful, attentive care. But what, exactly, are your responsibilities to your patients with respect to their claims? How can you support them without compromising your role as a healthcare provider or going outside your comfort zone?

Here are four steps to take:

1. Note the Time Frame when the Patient Sought Medical Help

Did the patient seek medical attention promptly or wait for hours or days since the onset of symptoms? Note how quickly he or she called for an appointment by using wording similar to this: “The patient made an appointment at 1 p.m. on Sept. 3, just one hour after the reported incident. He/She was seen at 5 p.m.” If your patient first went to the emergency room, note that as well.

2. Document Extensively

Meticulous medical documentation can prove critical for your patient’s claim. Provide copies of all relevant medical records. Track the ongoing treatment as well as how the patient responds to your professional care. Document related expenses, which are needed for court records, so that the patient can collect everything that he or she is owed.

3. Photograph the Injuries

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a photograph graphically shows the seriousness of the patient’s injuries in a way that words can’t communicate. Take regular photographs as the injury heals to provide visual confirmation of your assessments and the patient’s claims; such evidence can be especially powerful to jury. Keep both a digital and a printed record, date-stamped for accuracy, in case the pictures are challenged in court.

4. Write Down Your Opinions about the Patient – Be Specific!

As a medical professional, your impressions and thoughts about the patient matter. Document your opinions of the injury, recovery time and prognosis for the patient to regain quality of life. Be as specific as possible. For instance, instead of writing the generic “I think Mary is in pain 24/7,” write the specific observation that “Mary’s chronic pain makes it impossible for her to sit at her desk for more than two hours in a row without taking an extended break or needing pain medication.”

Taking these steps will demonstrate your support for your patient and can potential help him or her during a claim.

The Arizona personal injury attorneys at the Kelly Law Team can help your patients obtain fair compensation and respectful treatment. Please reach out to us at (602) 283-4122 for a free, confidential consultation.