Medical Record Review Challenges In Medical Malpractice Lawsuits [Infographic]

Medical records serve as critical evidence in a medical malpractice lawsuit and have to be thoroughly analyzed. Accurate medical review service is important for attorneys to establish the validity of injury claims. Medical records are reviewed to examine whether there has been any breach in standard care or any injury to the patient, and the causation or link between the breach and the injury. A well-drafted patient record is the physician’s best defense in a negligence case.

Medical records contain confidential healthcare information. Medical record review involves extracting the necessary information to prepare the medical malpractice case. The medical chart is voluminous and all the entries may not be relevant to the claim. So, relevant medical records have to be identified. An expert medical record review provider will ensure the necessary assistance for attorneys. Pertinent medical records, including old records, will be reviewed for all areas of liability as well as potential liability. During the review process, it can be identified whether other specialists have to be approached for additional review and opinion.

In a medical malpractice case, the attorney has to identify whether the physician was liable for the damages sustained by the plaintiff, and if found liable, the nature and extent of the damages have to be ascertained. Attorneys should also have a good chronological understanding of all the medical encounters of the plaintiff.

Medical malpractice attorneys can consider hiring professional medical review companies to assist in the process. Expert reviewers will analyze the records and prepare a medical case summary that is easy for the attorney to understand. They will ensure an efficient and hassle-free review process.

Check out the infographic below