Personal injury lawsuits rely on strong medical evidence. Because of this, requesting and keeping copies of X-rays, MRIs, and other medical records is one of the most important parts of preparing a compensation claim. Rather than stressing about organizing records yourself, let our lawyers handle it.
Victims may not already have copies of X-rays and MRIs in their possession, despite having gotten these tests done immediately after an accident. We can contact the necessary hospitals or doctors to request copies of all relevant X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging test results. We can then use these medical records to prove the severity of your injury and when it occurred. Such proof of injury also confirms the treatment you need and how much it costs.
Get your free case review from The Carrion Law Firm by calling our New York personal injury lawyers now at (718) 841-0083.
Do I Need to Keep X-Rays and MRIs for My New York Injury Case?
Keep any and all medical records you receive related to your injuries. That includes digital copies of X-rays and MRIs, which confirm the severity of the injury, your specific diagnosis, and may even indicate the cause of the injury.
Physicians use X-rays to diagnose bone fractures and joint dislocations from an accident. An X-ray allows the jury to see exactly where you suffered a broken bone, as well as the severity of the break. Compound and displaced fractures are typically more severe and costly, and X-rays can prove that you suffered one of these injuries because of the defendant.
Physicians may use MRIs to diagnose injuries that an X-ray may not. MRI test results can show soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, brain injuries like bruising or swelling, and internal injuries to organs. Like an X-ray, an MRI provides concrete proof of your injury, when you sustained it, and how severe it is, so keep these results if you receive digital copies from your provider.
How Can I Get Copies of X-Rays and MRIs for My Injury Case?
You may need to get additional copies of X-rays and MRIs when preparing your personal injury claim in New York. With your permission, our attorneys can contact the hospital you went to after the accident and any physicians who have subsequently treated you and request copies of your medical records.
You may not receive copies of X-rays and other test results from physicians immediately unless you specifically request them afterward. Most victims do not think to do this immediately after a crash, and can rely on us for help collecting records.
Physicians typically send digital copies of X-rays and MRIs, which we can request for you. While physicians are generally responsive when patients request their medical records, having our Queens personal injury lawyers handle this process may expedite it.
New York requires medical facilities to keep patients’ records for at least six years after death or discharge, so X-rays, MRIs, and other records should be accessible to victims filing injury lawsuits within the three-year statute of limitations.
What X-Rays and MRIs Do I Need for My Personal Injury Lawsuit?
You may need multiple sets of X-rays or MRIs to prove immediate and ongoing injuries from an accident.
Imaging After the Accident
We may need X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging test results immediately after an accident. Going directly to the emergency room helps us connect the accident to your injuries, so don’t skip this step if you are hurt. Tell us which hospital you went to for emergency medical treatment, and we can reach out to request records.
Imaging After Reaching MMI
We can also utilize recent X-rays and MRIs to show the current state of an injury. Especially if you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), current imaging test results showing that a soft tissue or spinal cord injury persists help prove you deserve future damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.
Do I Need to Keep Medical Bills from X-Rays and MRIs?
Keep any medical bills for X-rays, MRIs, and other tests, procedures, or treatments. Give us copies of all these bills, and we can use them as proof of damages in your lawsuit.
Send copies of all bills you’ve received from the hospital to us. We can also contact the hospital for more detailed information about the exact cost of your injuries.
What Other Medical Records Should I Keep for My New York Injury Case?
In addition to requesting and keeping X-rays and MRIs, you should get all relevant medical records. Let us contact hospitals and providers for records that can prove which medications you were prescribed, whether or not you got surgery, how long you stayed in the hospital, and everything else related to your treatment.
Missing any relevant medical records could jeopardize your case. Gaps in treatment plans happen when victims miss doctor appointments. Even when unintentional, gaps in medical records can complicate a plaintiff’s recovery, so keep attending all follow-up appointments and treatments with physicians.
What if I Don’t Have X-Rays and MRIs for a Personal Injury Case?
If you didn’t go to the hospital or get X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging tests to diagnose injuries immediately after an accident, you may still be able to file a lawsuit. Start documenting your injuries as soon as possible by seeking the appropriate medical care.
MRIs may indicate the general timeframe for a soft tissue or internal injury, helping us connect your current situation to an accident involving the defendant. You may still get imaging tests and other assessments even if the accident happened days or weeks ago, and you just noticed complications.
MRIs and X-rays cannot diagnose all injuries, and may not be necessary to prove yours. Other medical records may be sufficient to prove you were hurt, needed medical care, and incurred medical damages.
Call Us to Discuss Your Injury Case in New York
Get your free case assessment from our Harlem, NY personal injury lawyers by calling (718) 841-0083 and speaking to The Carrion Law Firm.