Should You Sign the Medical Records Release Form Sent by The Insurance Company?
After suffering injuries because of another party’s negligence, you can recover financial compensation from the negligent party through a personal injury claim. During your personal injury case, you may receive a medical records release form from the at-fault party’s insurance company. The insurance company will ask you to sign this form. When you receive a medical records release form, you may not know what to do. You may wonder whether or not you should sign the form. So, should you sign the medical records release form sent by the at-fault party’s insurance company? Read on to find out the answer to this question.
What Is a Medical Records Release Form?
A medical records release form is a legal document that, when you sign, grants the at-fault party’s insurance company permission to access your medical records. Once you sign a medical records release form, your healthcare providers can disclose your medical information to the defendant’s insurance company.
Usually, insurance companies need a plaintiff to sign a medical records release form so they can gather information about the plaintiff’s injuries and medical history. While signing a medical records release form can enable the insurance company to collect information necessary for evaluating the severity of your injuries, it is crucial to note that some of the information in your medical records can hurt your claim.
Am I Legally Obligated to Sign a Medical Records Release Form?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) allows you to keep your medical records private. Only you have the right to access your medical records. You have the right to decide whether or not to release your medical records to another party. However, while you are under no legal obligation to sign a medical records release form, it is crucial to keep in mind that if you refuse to sign the form, you may affect the insurance company’s ability to evaluate the extent of your injuries.
Should You Sign the Medical Records Release Form Sent by the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company?
Refusing to sign the medical records release form sent by the at-fault party’s insurance company may not be the best option. The insurance company needs at least those medical records that relate to your case. If the insurance company cannot access these records, it is possible that you may not recover compensation. The trick is determining which medical records to make accessible to the insurance company.
After receiving a medical records release form from the negligent party’s insurance company, the best thing is to speak to an attorney. A skilled attorney can go through your medical records and determine which records are relevant to your case and which are not. An attorney can advise you on which records you should allow the insurance company to access. A qualified personal injury lawyer can ensure the insurance company does not lay its hands on medical records that are irrelevant to your case.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you suffer a personal injury and the at-fault party’s insurance company asks you to sign a medical records release form, ensure you speak with an attorney. Our Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm have years of experience dealing with cunning insurance companies. Do not hesitate to contact us.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton, Naples, Melbourne, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Daytona Beach, and Ocala areas.
