At The Gogel Law Firm, our St. Louis personal injury attorney, Jeremy A. Gogel, pursues each case we represent based on its unique financial recovery needs.
That will mean something different for each of our Missouri clients and is built on the damages the individual suffered because of their injuries.
Proving that our client suffered damages begins with their medical records, which reflects their overall treatment needs now and going forward and their physician’s care recommendations.
That makes your medical records the cornerstone of your personal injury case in St. Louis.
Because this is true, our personal injury lawyers in St. Louis advise our clients to avoid signing any documents the insurance company provides, as one of them just might be a release for more than just your current medical records, but your complete medical history.
Never Share Your Medical Records with the Insurance Company After an Accident
If you have been injured in a vehicle collision, while on foot, or during a trip to your local trampoline park in St. Louis Missouri, the negligent party’s insurance company will attempt to contact you right away.
The call will seem very innocent at first, but the questions and probing nature in which they are asked are designed to get you to take some responsibility for the accident and resulting injuries.
Next, they will explain that they need a copy of your medical records, so they can assess your recovery needs. This is misleading.
According to HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, no one can view your medical information without your written approval.
That includes an attorney or insurance company.
Why Should I Keep My Medical Records From the Insurance Company?
Most insurance company medical record releases are blanket documents that will give them access to your entire medical history.
The problem becomes:
- They will have access to your past illnesses or injuries.
- They will blame your current injuries on a pre-existing condition, separate injury, or another accident to avoid paying for your full recovery needs.
Do not give the insurance company any room to dispute your claim.
Talk to Our Experienced St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney During a Free Consultation Today
Insurance companies spend countless hours finding ways to avoid paying for injury victim’s complex recovery needs.
If you provide access to your medical records, you may hand them the tools they need to do exactly that.
Contact our dedicated personal injury lawyer in St. Louis today and allow us to review your complete case and route all communication with the insurance company through our office, so you no longer have to worry about their manipulative practices by calling (314) 370-8173 or contacting us online to schedule a free consultation today.
