Medical documentation following an injury in Marietta is of vital importance to a successful claim. While a single bill, receipt, or prescription may not seem significant, thorough documentation can affect the outcome of personal injury claims in Georgia.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident and are seeking compensation, talking with an experienced Marietta personal injury lawyer may be valuable in assessing your legal options.
Why is Medical Documentation Important in Georgia?
‘Medical documentation’ is a term used to describe every medical correspondence -starting with your first doctor’s visit and extending to your last treatment.
Medical documentation is critical because it establishes that an injury exists. It highlights the severity, type of injury, and the cause of the injury. Proper evidence builds a solid foundation, which is critical in proving that an accident or negligence caused your injuries.
Medical documentation is vital in proving that the accident was the start of injuries. This can be shown by establishing that the injuries were not pre-existing, or if existing, were made worse by the accident. The documentation can show the severity of conditions such as mental anguish, chronic pain, and other non-economic losses.
What Medical Records Do You Need in Georgia?
In Georgia, medical records establish a snapshot of your health journey. This can include trips to the emergency room, treatments from your doctor, physical therapy, hospital stays, and specialist consults.
For example, if you were in an accident and suffered a bone fracture, you may have documents such as x-rays, records from the radiologist, and records from physicians, therapists, specialists, hospitals, and physical therapists. You may want to consider applicable bills such as ambulance fees, surgery bills, blood work, scans, prescriptions, physical therapy, and diagnostic imaging such as CT scans.
What Personal Medical Records Can You Provide?
According to Georgia Code § 24-8-826 (2020), medical reports can be in narrative form, signed by the examining medical provider, such as a physician, dentist, therapist, psychologist, or counselor. A pain and suffering journal can provide insights into your personal experience with an injury after an accident. Include as much detail and descriptive evidence as possible. Describe pain levels, the time of pain, and the type of pain experienced.
People are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, yet every person experiences this subjectively and uniquely. An illustrated and descriptive journal can use vivid detail to describe a personal journey.
Pain and Suffering in Georgia Personal Injury Cases
From a legal standpoint, “pain” refers to discomfort and injuries from an accident. Examples may be broken bones, cuts, bruising, and whiplash. “Suffering” covers other effects such as mood changes, depression, anxiety, despair about physical limitations, and loss of consortium with your partner or spouse.
The state of Georgia takes into account that “Pain and suffering” are terms that also include future discomfort and long-term mental anguish.
What Can You Provide for Visual Documentation?
In personal injury cases, equip yourself with as much visual evidence as possible. Photograph injuries listed in your claim, and document the healing process as your treatment progresses.
Pictures of broken bones, bruising, scarring, and swelling may help establish a case and can become part of your accident journal.
How Long Do You Have to File a Suit in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury is covered by OCGA § 9-3-33. Two years is the time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit.