After an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, their insurance company may give you some paperwork to sign before paying for your damages. While they may claim that these documents are a mere formality, the medical release form they contain can have a significant impact on your personal injury claim. Here's a closer look at this important document and why you should never sign one without speaking to an attorney.

What Is a Medical Release Form?

Before paying a claim, an insurance company will want to verify that you actually experienced the injuries you claim. Because medical records are protected by law, the insurer needs your permission to access your files. A medical release form gives them access to your records, which may seem reasonable under these circumstances.

You might think that the insurance company will only look at files related to the accident, but most use extremely broad release forms. These documents give them the right to review your entire medical history and even information from your employers.

Why Shouldn’t You Sign One?

Insurance companies often look far past the actual accident for any reason to deny a valid claim. They may claim that your medical condition is a result of preexisting conditions or find information that could embarrass you into dropping your suit. If your medical records contain evidence that you ever lived with drug or alcohol addiction, they may try to discredit you.

A personal injury attorney has the experience and expertise to review the insurance company’s documents and protect your interests. Your lawyer can identify overly broad language and redraft the document so that only records directly related to your accident can be released. Not only does this protect your privacy, but it also increases the chances of a successful claim.

Since 1980, the firm of Ibold & O'Brien has provided aggressive representation to accident victims throughout Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, and Cuyahoga counties. If you’ve been hurt through no fault of your own, you can rely on personal injury attorneys to help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Visit their website for more on their personal injury services. To speak with an attorney in Hubbard, OH, call (330) 651-6062, or dial (440) 285-3511 to reach their office in Chardon.