Can a Physician Withhold My Medical Records?
If you were injured by another party’s negligence and as a result, you sought medical treatment, you may need to present your medical records if you pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. These medical records may help strengthen your case and can demonstrate that the accident in questions did in fact cause actual harm. However, medical professionals are not required to release these records 100 percent of the time. In fact, there are some situations in which a doctor can withhold your records if releasing them violates any privacy issues or puts an individual’s safety in jeopardy.
If you have been denied medical records by your doctor, don’t lose heart. A qualified legal representative can discuss your options with you and help you make a decision about what to do next. Contact an Atlanta personal injury attorney from Webb, Wade & Taylor, LLC, today at 770-631-1811 to learn more.
Reasons for Not Releasing Medical Records
In the majority of cases, doctors will release medical records for use in a lawsuit. However, there are some cases in which he or she may refrain from handing over these records. You may be denied medical records for the following reasons:
- The medical records could put someone in danger if released
- They are being used in a separate legal case
- The records include private psychotherapy notes
Additionally, concerning a child, you may be denied his or her records if you previously signed a confidentiality agreement.
Contact Us
If you were denied medical records for a lawsuit you are a part of, there are other ways that you can demonstrate the harm done to you. Contact an Atlanta injury attorney with Webb, Wade & Taylor, LLC, by calling 770-631-1811 and learn more about the legal options still available to you.
