Have you been injured in an accident in Savannah, Georgia? If an insurance adjuster is asking you to sign a medical release form, you’re likely unsure what to do. It’s a common request after an accident, but signing a blanket medical release without understanding the risks can seriously hurt your personal injury claim.
As a dedicated personal injury attorney in Savannah, GA, Scot Kraeuter wants to clarify this critical issue and give you the information you need to make the right choice.
What Exactly is a Medical Release?
A medical release form from the insurance adjuster asks you to authorize your doctors and other healthcare providers to share your medical records related to the accident directly with the insurance company. The adjuster will often say they need these records to understand your injuries and determine a fair settlement.
Why Do Insurance Adjusters Want Your Medical Records?
While it might seem like a reasonable request, remember the insurance company’s main goal: to pay out as little as possible. A broad medical release gives them access to your entire medical history. They can then search for past health issues or unrelated conditions to try and minimize the seriousness of your accident-related injuries.
The Hidden Dangers of a Blanket Medical Release
Signing a broad medical release can lead to several problems:
- Privacy Violation: The insurance company can see sensitive medical details that have nothing to do with your current injury claim, including past illnesses, treatments, and mental health information.
- Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions: Adjusters might try to argue your current pain is due to an old injury, even if the recent accident made it much worse. Full access to your history makes this easier for them.
- Looking for Weaknesses: They might be searching for any information to question your honesty or claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say.
- Loss of Control: Once you sign, you can’t control which specific medical records they review.
What Should You Do Instead of Signing?
Don’t sign the insurance adjuster’s medical release! Instead, your first call should be to an experienced Savannah personal injury attorney like Scot Kraeuter. Here’s why:
- Protecting Your Legal Rights: As your lawyer, Scot Kraeuter will be your strong advocate, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the entire insurance claim process.
- Limited Medical Authorization: Working together, you can provide the insurance company with limited medical authorizations. These specifically allow them to get only the records directly related to the injuries you suffered in the accident. This keeps your private information safe and prevents unnecessary “fishing expeditions.”
- Strategic Information Sharing: Scot Kraeuter will strategically gather and present your relevant medical records to clearly show the extent of your accident injuries and how they’ve impacted your life.
- Fighting for Fair Compensation: By carefully controlling what medical information the insurance company sees, your attorney can build a stronger case for the full compensation you deserve. This includes medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Don’t Give the Insurance Company Unlimited Access to Your Private Health Information
In conclusion, while the insurance adjuster’s request for a medical release might seem routine, it’s a request you should treat with extreme caution. Before you sign anything, protect your rights and your privacy by speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Savannah, GA.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, don’t face the complicated insurance claims process alone. Contact the office of Scot Kraeuter Personal Injury Attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Scot Kraeuter?
Scot Kraeuter understands the challenges of dealing with insurance companies and the nuances of personal injury law. He has a proven track record of helping clients with pre-existing conditions obtain the compensation they deserve. His compassionate approach and dedication to his clients set him apart.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and with an experienced attorney for legal advice.