What You Need to Know About Requests for Medical Authorization Forms

When you file a claim for compensation after an injury accident, you may feel overwhelmed with the amount of forms and other paperwork you’re asked to sign. Let a West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys review the requests with you and help you understand what your obligations are. Many of the requested forms deal with release authorizations for your medical records.

If you claim injury after an accident, your case will be assigned to an insurance adjuster. The adjuster’s job, among other things, is to investigate your claim and make a recommendation as to whether to pay benefits. As such, you can expect to have to provide information about the extent of your injury. Much of that information will come from your doctor’s records. Federal law prohibits that information from being released to a third party without your consent. While it’s standard to have to provide consent in an accident claim, let an experienced West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys explain when those medical forms may overreach.

Again, while the disclosure of some medical information is necessary, be wary of adjusters who request releases that go beyond the scope of what they are allowed. For example, if your insurance adjuster presents you with a release for unlimited information, this is a red flag. The medical information sought should be confined to the accident in question. Your attorney will question releases that are good for an indefinite time or seek information about preexisting conditions you may have from years or decades prior to the accident. Additionally, if the release is a “blanket” request for information from every doctor you’ve ever seen, this could be outside the bounds of what’s required by your insurance contract. Finally, you should be suspicious of adjusters who tells you that receipt of benefits is conditional on you signing the forms.

At The Law Office of Jessica Mishali, P.A., you can schedule a consultation with a West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys with a proven track record of getting results for his clients. Call (561) 833-2772 to schedule.