Medical documentation is crucial in Mississippi personal injury claims. Without proper medical records, injured parties face significant challenges in proving both the existence and extent of their injuries, potentially jeopardizing their ability to receive fair compensation in Mississippi injury cases. There is no question that the number one item an insurance company looks for when deciding on an offer is the medical injuries shown in the records and medical expenses.
Why Medical Documentation is Essential in Mississippi Personal Injury Cases
When you're involved in an accident, whether it's a car collision, truck accident, or other incident, comprehensive medical documentation accomplishes several critical objectives:
- Establishes a causal link between the accident and your injuries, providing objective evidence of your injuries' severity.
- Documents your treatment journey, the recovery process, and substantiates your pain and suffering claims.
- Validates the necessity of your medical expenses.
The Danger of Premature Self-Assessment in Mississippi Personal Injury Claims
One of the most common mistakes crash victims make is prematurely declaring themselves "uninjured." Many serious injuries, particularly those involving soft tissue or internal structures, may not manifest immediate symptoms. This delayed onset is especially common with:
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Rotator cuff tears
- Mild traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Internal organ damage
I have told this story before, and it is worth remembering. Thirty or more years ago, I represented a friend in a severe crash. Another person broadsided his car. My friend would not get additional medical attention after the emergency room visit. The insurance company offered a pittance. I urged my friend to go back to the doctor and get an MRI. Since the accident he had constantly complained about his low back. He had a family trip planned to Panama City, FL, and he wanted the settlement for the trip. He settled the case by himself. I would not agree to accept the low settlement with his medical complaints. He made his trip to the beach and discovered later that he had a ruptured disc in his low back. I have never regretted my advice or my caution.
Emergency Room Limitations in Mississippi Injury Claims
While emergency rooms in Mississippi provide crucial immediate care, they are not always equipped to diagnose all potential injuries related to car accidents or personal injury cases. Emergency physicians often:
- Perform basic x-rays that cannot detect soft tissue injuries
- Conduct preliminary examinations focused on ruling out critical conditions
- Prescribe muscle relaxants and pain medication to address symptoms rather than underlying causes
- Recommend conservative treatments like physical therapy before advanced diagnostics
Many patients diligently attend physical therapy for weeks, only to later discover through advanced imaging that they’ve been suffering from structural injuries requiring surgical intervention all along. Over my 44+ years of law practice, I have had 30-50 people (maybe many more) who had far more significant injuries than were diagnosed by the emergency room physician. And this is not the fault of the emergency room physician. He is in the hospital to treat serious emergencies. It would be wasteful for the emergency room physician to have an MRI performed every single time there was a car collision. It is the responsibility of the injured person to follow up on their injuries depending on their pain.
Best Practices for Medical Documentation in Mississippi Injury Cases
To protect both your health and your legal interests in Mississippi personal injury cases, follow these best practices for medical documentation:
- Seek immediate medical attention following any accident
- Request appropriate diagnostic imaging if pain persists
- Follow up with specialists when necessary
- Attend all recommended appointments and therapy sessions
- Keep detailed records of all treatments and medications
- Be honest and thorough when describing symptoms
- Never downplay pain or limitations to medical providers
I’ve underlined several words because they are so important. When an injured person does not follow up promptly with a specialist or attend all their appointments, it sends a signal to the insurance company that the person may not be injured badly. I understand medical providers keep records, but so many times clients cannot remember the names of medical providers. A simple notebook that the client keeps with all medical providers is very helpful for the attorney. Lastly, never exaggerate or downplay your injuries. If you are hurt or in pain, tell the doctor. Don’t say “I’m fine.” We all say we are “fine” even when we are not. STOP IT. Tell the doctor the truth.
Communication with Insurance Companies in Mississippi
When working with insurance companies in Mississippi:
- Never declare yourself "uninjured" without a complete medical evaluation
- Avoid discussing your medical condition until you have a comprehensive diagnosis
- Understand that initial settlement offers rarely account for emerging or worsening conditions
- Consider consulting with a Mississippi personal injury attorney before providing statements
Remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. The adjuster may act nice, but they are not your friend. The insurance adjuster has one goal. Let me repeat it. The insurance adjuster has ONE GOAL. Their goal is to minimize payouts, not to ensure you receive proper medical care or fair compensation.
The Value of Advanced Diagnostics in Mississippi Personal Injury Cases
While initial treatments like medication and physical therapy are appropriate first steps, persistent symptoms warrant advanced diagnostics such as:
- MRIs to detect soft tissue injuries
- CT scans for detailed bone imaging
- Neurological evaluations for potential nerve damage
- Specialized orthopedic assessments
These diagnostics often reveal injuries that basic examinations and x-rays cannot detect, ensuring you receive appropriate treatment and proper documentation of your injuries.
Thorough medical documentation is not just about strengthening your legal case, it's about protecting your health and ensuring you receive the medical care you need. Never sacrifice your well-being by minimizing symptoms or avoiding necessary medical evaluation after an accident.
If you are involved in a car collision or truck accident in Mississippi and need legal assistance, call us at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC. Our Mississippi car accident lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. We made a conscious decision decades ago to be a family/community law firm. We want to know each client and work with them to get the compensation they need for all their harms and losses.