Originally Published: December 9, 2020 • Updated: June 16, 2026
Your medical records play a vital role in a personal injury case. They help show that an accident caused your injuries, document the severity, and support your claim for medical expenses after being seriously hurt in a car or truck crash caused by another.
What do you need to know or do to obtain copies of your medical records?
You are probably familiar with the acronym HIPAA. It stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The HIPAA Privacy Rule standards address the use and disclosure of an individual’s health information.
This law also guarantees your right to obtain copies of your own medical records while preventing unauthorized release to others.
Under HIPAA:
The Missouri State Medical Association recommends, in most cases, that healthcare providers only release medical records after receiving a written request from the patient, the patient’s guardian, or the patient’s legal representative.
Each state has specific standards for obtaining medical records for legal use. Your attorney will know your state’s specific standards. (Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services HIPAA information)
To allow your attorney to request records on your behalf, you must provide a written, signed, and dated authorization. He may ask for specific records, records during a certain date range, or all records.
Medical records may be needed to:
It can be difficult to gather evidence while you are trying to concentrate on your recovery. Our personal injury attorneys can help you obtain the medical records needed to support your claim.
Have you been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in which you suffered serious injuries? Call Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600. Our team has a strong track record of helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.
In Kansas City and throughout Missouri, the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm will fight for your rights. Contact our legal team today. One of our experienced team members will speak with you personally and provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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