When you’ve suffered injuries from an accident of any kind, and the accident wasn’t your fault, then you’re likely interested in filing a claim against the negligent party who caused your injuries and damages. The way to prove these injuries is through documentation. Your lawyer will use your medical records to prove that you suffered these damages as a direct result of the accident.
The help of a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer will greatly benefit you with your case because they’ll know exactly what you’ll need to show that your injuries were from your accident and how to prove that another party was responsible. But you might be wondering how you obtain your medical records in Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to access your medical records and use them in your claim.
Obtaining Your Medical Records
You have the right to obtain your medical records in Minnesota. According to Minnesota Statute 144.292, a medical provider must promptly respond to a patient’s written request to obtain their records. The information they provide must be current and complete. The state’s Board of Medical Practice states that the medical provider must include information about your diagnosis, treatment, and your prognosis in these records that they release to you.
In order to get access to your records, you’ll need to complete the consent form to release your medical information. Once the form is completed and sent to your medical provider, they must send you a copy of your complete information promptly.
The provider is allowed to bill you for giving you a copy of your medical records, but they still must provide you with the information. Here are the different aspects of your medical records that your provider must provide to you:
- Lab reports
- X-rays
- Prescriptions
- Assessment results
- Medical records
Some information can be withheld from the patient if the provider determines that the information would be detrimental to the patient’s physical or mental health. Parts of the medical records like written speculations about the patient’s condition can be released to a third party, given the patient has consented, in order to protect their physical or mental health.
According to the state Board of Medical Practice, these medical records can only be released if you have submitted a signed and dated consent form. Your consent form is only valid for a year. If your medical provider releases your information without your consent, or forged a consent form, you could recover compensatory damages for the unauthorized release of your private medical records.
Let’s take a look at the other rights that patients have when they need to obtain medical records in our state.
For a legal consultation, call 612-349-2729
Your Rights in Minnesota
Your right to your medical records isn’t the only relevant rights that you have in Minnesota. In addition to your right to access your medical records, you also have:
- The right to amend your record.
- The right to file a complaint.
- The right to sue in state court for violations to your rights.
Knowing your rights and how to obtain your medical records is essential so that you and your lawyer can make the strongest case possible after an accident causes your injuries. When you don’t know your rights, your medical providers might try to take advantage of you and deny you access to your medical records. When you know that you have a right to your records and should get them promptly after written request, you’ll be able to quickly obtain your records from your doctor.
Madia Law is Here for You
All of this can seem confusing. After you’ve been hurt in an accident, you’re focusing on healing and might not have the emotional capacity to focus on a legal claim. That’s where a personal injury lawyer from Madia Law comes in. With our help, you’ll be able to focus on your physical and emotional recovery from the accident while we handle the legal side of things.
Our experienced attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights and know that your medical records are a key part of your claim. That’s why we’re here to help you obtain access to your records and ensure that your doctor releases them promptly after you submit your consent form.
Contact our office today so we can discuss your potential claim and get started right away.
Call 612-349-2729 or complete a Case Evaluation form
