When an individual files a personal injury claim, determining the validity and extent of their injuries is a crucial step. Medical records, diagnostic tests, and treatment histories serve as primary evidence in these cases. However, not all reported injuries are the direct result of the incident in question—some may be pre-existing conditions, exaggerated claims, or unrelated medical issues.
At Garrett Forensics, our biomechanical experts specialize in Medical Record & Document Analysis to provide a clear, science-backed assessment of reported injuries. By examining medical records alongside accident details, we help determine whether the claimed injuries are consistent with the mechanics of the incident. Our findings support insurance adjusters, attorneys, and courts in making informed, evidence-based decisions regarding personal injury claims.
The Role of Medical Record & Document Analysis in Personal Injury Cases
A personal injury case often involves a variety of medical documentation, including:
Emergency room reports
X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans
Doctor’s notes and treatment plans
Physical therapy records
Surgical reports
Pain management assessments
Pre-existing medical conditions
Simply having these documents doesn’t necessarily prove a claim’s validity. The key is analyzing whether the medical evidence aligns with the incident and whether the injuries are likely caused by the reported event.
Common Issues Addressed in Medical Record & Document Analysis:
Injury Consistency – Do the reported injuries match the biomechanics of the incident?
Force Analysis – Were the forces involved in the accident sufficient to cause the claimed injuries?
Pre-Existing Conditions – Could a prior medical issue explain the reported symptoms?
Delayed Symptoms – Are the injuries appearing days or weeks after the event related to the accident?
Unnecessary Treatments – Has medical care been excessive or unrelated to the actual injuries?
How Garrett Forensics’ Biomechanical Experts Provide Clarity
Unlike standard medical reviews, our biomechanical experts go beyond medical records to assess the mechanics of the injury itself. This means evaluating how the human body responds to specific accident forces to determine whether the reported injuries are scientifically plausible.
Key Steps in Our Analysis:
Reviewing the Medical Records – Our experts carefully examine all available medical documentation related to the claim.
Understanding the Incident – We analyze police reports, accident reconstructions, and witness statements to establish what forces were at play.
Biomechanical Injury Analysis – We assess whether the forces involved in the accident were capable of causing the reported injuries.
Identifying Discrepancies – If inconsistencies arise, we highlight whether the injuries may be exaggerated, pre-existing, or unrelated.
Providing Expert Testimony – Our findings are presented in detailed reports and, if necessary, in court as expert witness testimony.
Types of Cases Where Our Experts Assist
Our Medical Record & Document Analysis services are valuable in a variety of personal injury cases, including:
1. Vehicle Accidents
Did the impact forces in a car crash cause the claimed injuries?
Are soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash, consistent with the collision dynamics?
Could the injury be due to pre-existing spinal conditions?
2. Slip and Fall Incidents
Were the mechanics of the fall capable of causing a severe injury?
Is the claimed injury more consistent with a different type of fall?
Was footwear, flooring, or surface condition a contributing factor?
3. Workplace Injuries
Did the job-related task result in the reported injury?
Was the injury caused by repetitive motion rather than an acute event?
Could a prior medical condition explain the symptoms?
4. Product Liability Cases
Did a product defect cause the injury?
Was misuse or improper handling a factor?
Are the claimed injuries consistent with typical product failures?
Real-World Example: Auto Collision Injury Analysis
A driver involved in a low-speed rear-end collision filed a claim stating that the accident resulted in severe spinal injuries requiring surgery. However, after reviewing the medical records and conducting a biomechanical analysis, Garrett Forensics’ experts determined:
The impact speed was below the threshold typically associated with severe spinal trauma.
The medical history indicated prior degenerative disc disease, likely responsible for the symptoms.
The reported injury did not align with the crash dynamics.
Our findings helped prevent an unjustified payout and provided crucial evidence in court.
The Importance of Expert Testimony in Personal Injury Claims
In legal disputes, an expert’s testimony can make or break a case. Our biomechanical experts provide compelling, scientifically supported conclusions that help:
Attorneys build stronger cases by verifying legitimate claims.
Insurance companies avoid fraudulent or exaggerated claims.
Courts receive objective, evidence-based opinions.
Partner with Garrett Forensics for Reliable Injury Analysis
When handling personal injury claims, objective, science-driven insights are essential. At Garrett Forensics, our Medical Record & Document Analysis ensures that claims are accurately assessed, helping insurance providers and attorneys make informed, fair decisions.
Need expert analysis for a personal injury case? Contact Garrett Forensics today to learn how our biomechanical experts can help.
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