Medical chronologies play a key role in personal injury and insurance cases. They turn large volumes of medical records into an easy-to-follow timeline, helping everyone understand the patient’s health journey. Both attorneys and insurance adjusters rely on these chronologies, but they focus on different details. Here’s what each one looks for.
What Attorneys Prioritize
Medical chronologies are a powerful tool for attorneys to build their cases. They focus on proving that the injury was caused by the accident, highlighting the damage, and explaining how the injuries affect the client’s life.
Causation
Attorneys aim to link injuries directly to the incident. They look for:
- Initial ER visits and diagnostic reports post-accident.
- Physician statements connecting injuries to the event.
- Evidence ruling out pre-existing conditions as the primary cause.
Treatment Progression
Chronologies must show how injuries evolved:
- Dates of surgeries, therapy sessions, and follow-ups.
- Gaps in treatment that could weaken severity claims.
- Recommendations for future care, which influence settlement amounts.
Quality of Life Impact
Attorneys highlight:
- Notes on pain levels and functional limitations.
- Psychological evaluations for emotional distress.
- Vocational assessments if injuries affect employment.
Economic Damages
Medical bills and cost estimates are critical:
- Itemized treatment costs.
- Projected future expenses.
- Connection between billed services and documented injuries.
What Adjusters Examine
Insurance adjusters approach chronologies with a cost-control mindset. Their goal is to validate claims and prevent unnecessary payouts.
Medical Necessity
Adjusters question whether treatments were reasonable:
- Were diagnostic tests justified?
- Did the patient follow standard guidelines?
- Signs of overtreatment or unnecessary procedures.
Pre-Existing Conditions
They investigate prior medical history:
- Chronic conditions explain current symptoms.
- Previous injuries to the same body part.
- Delays between accident and treatment initiation.
Consistency
Adjusters look for:
- Consistent symptom reporting across providers.
- Missed appointments or non-compliance.
- Inconsistencies between medical notes and claimant statements.
Cost Evaluation
They analyze:
- Charges against usual and customary rates.
- Duplicate billing or inflated costs.
- Excessive recommendations for future care.
Key Differences between What Attorneys and Adjusters Look for in a Medical Chronology
- Purpose and Goal
Attorneys aim to maximize settlement or verdict, while adjusters work to minimize payout.
- Causation
Attorneys focus on linking injuries to the accident, while adjusters search for alternative explanations.
- Treatment Analysis
Attorneys emphasize progression and severity of injuries, while adjusters question medical necessity.
- Cost Evaluation
Attorneys use medical bills to justify higher compensation, while adjusters check for duplicate or inflated costs to keep payouts low.
- Narrative vs. Compliance
Attorneys build a compelling story, while adjusters ensure consistency and compliance.
To wind up,
Medical chronologies are beneficial to both parties involved in a case. Lawyers rely on them to strengthen their arguments while adjusters aim at minimizing expenses and ensuring compliance. Technological tools ensure that the timelines are precise and serve their purpose to everyone.
