{"id":353161,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:39","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/medical-malpractice\/documents-for-your-attorney-illness-hospitalization.html"},"modified":"2025-12-01T13:28:38","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T18:28:38","slug":"documents-for-your-attorney-illness-hospitalization","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/medical-malpractice\/documents-for-your-attorney-illness-hospitalization.html","title":{"rendered":"Documents and Evidence in Medical Malpractice Cases"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Documents and Evidence in Medical Malpractice Cases<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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In a medical malpractice lawsuit, the patient must prove that their doctor or health care facility was negligent. They must also prove the damages they suffered due to the medical negligence. Common types of evidence in these cases include medical records, medical expert testimony, and financial records.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Proving your case will rely on evidence. Even if you feel strongly that your case is obvious, the legal process requires documentation. Helping your lawyer get these documents can benefit your case and help the process go smoothly.<\/p>\n

This article discusses the documents typically required in personal injury cases and what you can do to prepare your case. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer<\/a> near you to understand what you will need in your specific case.<\/p>\n

Isn’t Gathering Evidence My Attorney’s Job?<\/h2>\n

Yes, but they can’t collect all of it on their own. Your medical information is confidential<\/a> under patient rights laws. At the start of your case, a lawyer won’t have access to all your sensitive information until you take steps to authorize or provide it.<\/p>\n

Note that your attorney also has a legal duty<\/a> to keep what you disclose to them confidential. A lawyer can examine these details to help you determine whether you have a valid claim to pursue.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Be ready to help your attorney with any of the following:<\/p>\n