Personal injury cases often arise from another’s negligence and require a thorough medical records review to assess their validity. The timeline for such cases includes multiple stages from the accident to potential trial, with several steps such as consulting an attorney, filing claims, and mediation to seek settlements. A comprehensive checklist is recommended for attorneys to maintain organization throughout the process and ensure all relevant documents and information are obtained efficiently.

1. www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com (800) 670 2809
Personal injury cases commonly stem from another’s negligence and involve a detailed
medical records review that will help determine the validity of the case. The injury may
be caused by a slip-and-fall, car accident, motorcycle accident, medical malpractice, and
so on.
From the accident and injury to trial – there is a definite timeline for a personal injury
case.
➢ The accident/injury occurs
➢ The injured person seeks medical attention
➢ Consulting an attorney
➢ The attorney investigates the claim and reviews medical records
➢ Insurance claim is filed or a settlement is demanded
➢ If a settlement is not reached, a lawsuit is filed
➢ Both plaintiff and defendant sides begin the discovery process
➢ Mediation and/or arbitration in the hope of reaching a settlement
➢ If no settlement is reached, the case goes to trial.
Time Is of Essence
Time is of essence in any personal injury case, which makes it very important for
personal injury lawyers to ensure efficiency. Reliable support becomes necessary and
many attorneys make effective use of support solutions such as medical review service
provided by medical record review companies. The entire process can be well-organized
by having a comprehensive checklist. This makes it easy to view the completed tasks as
well as those that are not completed. So, here are the important considerations.
Keep a Checklist
➢ Obtain all relevant documents related to the case such as police reports, medical
records, insurance information, bills, wage statements, auto policy, rental car
charges, repair expenses, correspondence, photos, and notes.
➢ The meeting with the client:
• The attorney has to explain the terms of the Retainer Agreement to the
client and clear any doubts the client may have.
• It is important to inform the client how the fees are calculated.
• Set expectations by pointing out aspects
of the case that could be challenging,
Have a Streamlined Process in Place
Personal injury
cases involve a
medical records
review to decide the
validity of the case.
Here is a timeline
and checklist for a
personal injury
case.
Personal Injury Cases – Timeline and
a Helpful Checklist
MOS Medical Record Review Service
8596 E. 101st Street, Suite H
Tulsa, OK 74133

2. www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com (800) 670 2809
Personal injury cases commonly stem from another’s negligence and involve a detailed
medical records review that will help determine the validity of the case. The injury may
be caused by a slip-and-fall, car accident, motorcycle accident, medical malpractice, and
so on.
From the accident and injury to trial – there is a definite timeline for a personal injury
case.
➢ The accident/injury occurs
➢ The injured person seeks medical attention
➢ Consulting an attorney
➢ The attorney investigates the claim and reviews medical records
➢ Insurance claim is filed or a settlement is demanded
➢ If a settlement is not reached, a lawsuit is filed
➢ Both plaintiff and defendant sides begin the discovery process
➢ Mediation and/or arbitration in the hope of reaching a settlement
➢ If no settlement is reached, the case goes to trial.
Time Is of Essence
Time is of essence in any personal injury case, which makes it very important for
personal injury lawyers to ensure efficiency. Reliable support becomes necessary and
many attorneys make effective use of support solutions such as medical review service
provided by medical record review companies. The entire process can be well-organized
by having a comprehensive checklist. This makes it easy to view the completed tasks as
well as those that are not completed. So, here are the important considerations.
Keep a Checklist
➢ Obtain all relevant documents related to the case such as police reports, medical
records, insurance information, bills, wage statements, auto policy, rental car
charges, repair expenses, correspondence, photos, and notes.
➢ The meeting with the client:
• The attorney has to explain the terms of the Retainer Agreement to the
client and clear any doubts the client may have.
• It is important to inform the client how the fees are calculated.
• Set expectations by pointing out aspects of the case that could be
challenging, liability issues, and other aspects that may cause delays.

3. www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com (800) 670 2809
• Obtain clear information regarding the client’s background, job, the
incident, the injury sustained and treatment obtained, lost wages,
property and other damages, insurance details, police report, witnesses,
lien notices, previous or subsequent accidents.
• Have the client sign the necessary authorizations. These include an HIPAA-
compliant authorization to obtain medical records, insurance authorization
and wage loss authorization.
➢ Obtain copies of insurance cards: These include copies of auto insurance and
health insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid.
➢ Send a Letter of Representation to the 3rd
party insurer: This should be
accompanied by a copy of a signed authorization from the client. The insurer
must be requested to send all communications to your office. This letter of
representation should contain their policy number, claim number, name of the
insured person, and the date of the incident.
➢ Send a Letter of Representation to the client’s own insurer along with a signed
authorization.
➢ Send letters accompanied by signed medical authorizations to medical providers
requesting a copy of their medical and billing records. Also, request other records
needed which you may not have received.
➢ Make a chart of all treating providers, the amount each of them charged, the
amount paid, amount outstanding, and lien claims if any.
➢ Contact witnesses as early as possible. Obtain a statement if possible.
➢ Submit any outstanding balance through Med pay or health insurance.
➢ Send a letter of representation along with a signed authorization to lien
claimants. This will ensure that they will contact your office regarding the claim.
Make sure that the lien claimants are kept apprised as the case progresses.
➢ Send a letter of representation to Medicare/Medicaid as appropriate:
Medicare/Medicaid must be informed of any possible lien claim and usually there
are only a certain number of days within which this must be done.
➢ Send the demand letter to the insurance adjuster: This demand letter must
contain all information obtained. Email a copy of this letter beforehand to your
client for review.
➢ File the complaint ahead of the statute of limitations. In case you are in the midst
of settlement negotiations, send the adjuster a letter with a file-endorsed copy of
the complaint explaining that you had to file due to the statute of limitations but
are hopeful that a settlement may be reached.

4. www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com (800) 670 2809
Have a Streamlined Process in Place
Keeping track of each and every aspect of a personal injury case is very challenging.
Staying organized is often difficult in this scenario, which makes it necessary to have a
streamlined process in position. This is where outsourced services such as medical
review solutions can be of assistance. Following a streamlined process will help lawyers
keep abreast with all developments in the case, establish their credibility, ensure client
satisfaction, and go on to win the case.