Medical Releases in Insurance Claims: Should You Sign

When you’re involved in a car accident, handling insurance claims can be a complex process, particularly when it comes to dealing with medical releases. As part of our commitment to guiding clients through these challenges, the Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester, LLC aims to provide clear and comprehensive advice on whether to sign a medical release for an insurance adjuster. This decision can significantly impact your claim and privacy, and understanding the implications is crucial.

What Is a Medical Release?

• A medical release, requested by insurance adjusters in the wake of an accident, is a document that allows access to your medical records. It’s typically sought when you’re claiming medical expenses due to an accident.

Potential Risks of Signing a Medical Release:

• Access to Full Medical History: Signing a release that grants access to your complete medical history can expose sensitive health information, which the insurance adjuster might use to dispute your claim.
• Claim Denial: If an adjuster uncovers prior medical issues, they might attribute your current injuries to pre-existing conditions, potentially leading to claim denial.
• Privacy Concerns: A broad medical release can lead to an invasion of your medical privacy, revealing unrelated medical details.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters:

• Adjuster’s Role: Insurance adjusters investigate claims to ascertain their validity. Their objective is to minimize the insurance company’s payout.
• Voluntary Nature of Releases: It’s important to remember that signing a medical release is not mandatory. You have the right to refuse or to consult with an attorney before deciding.
• Legal Representation Benefits: An experienced car accident attorney can review the release and advise on its potential impact on your case. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring your interests are protected.

Implications of Refusing to Sign:

• No Legal Penalty: Refusing to sign a medical release carries no legal penalty, though it may slow down the claims process.
• Protecting Your Rights: A car accident attorney can help you release only the relevant medical records, safeguarding your broader medical history.

Considerations When Approached to Sign:

• Review by Legal Counsel: Before signing any medical release, it’s advisable to have it reviewed by an attorney who can assess its impact on your ability to secure damages.
• Negotiating Release Terms: Your attorney might suggest modifications to the release to limit its scope, protecting your privacy and claim validity.

Conclusion: Deciding whether to sign a medical release for an insurance adjuster requires careful consideration of the potential risks and impacts. At the Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester, LLC, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate these decisions, ensuring they make choices that protect their rights and facilitate a fair resolution to their claims.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.