Disability Law

Medical Narrative Letters Can Be An Essential Tool In Injury Cases

By Jack E. Clay

I have blogged in the past about the importance of medical bills and records in workers? compensation and serious injury cases. When someone is injured at work or hurt in a car accident, the medical records track the progression of the person?s injuries, treatment, and recovery. Similarly, medical narratives are also important in a case. A medical narrative is a written report from a doctor that details the patient?s treatment, typically in a letter format. The narrative may include notes from the doctor regarding the patient?s continued care, expected recovery time-frame, and may also include the patient?s disability rating and/or limits to return to work. If a case is to go to trial, a medical narrative from a reputable doctor can help. There is usually a fee for medical narratives but they can be essential in determining the strength of a car wreck case or a work comp case.

As a Douglasville attorney, I have handled several accident cases that have been presented narratives in court. A medical narrative serves as a synopsis of a client?s medical issues and injuries. The narrative also provides a jury with a prediction of sorts for how the injured person?s future will be after an injury. While a medical narrative is not necessary or requested in all cases, it serves as a useful aid in a serious car accident case or on-the-job injury case.

My Douglas County, Georgia law office specializes in workers? compensation and personal injury. If you or someone you know has been hurt on the job or in a car or truck wreck, please call my office for a free consultation.

Full post as published by Georgia Law Blog on October 22, 2008 (boomark / email).