If you suspect medical malpractice, obtaining your medical records is one of the most important first steps in protecting your legal rights. These records are the primary source of evidence in determining whether negligence occurred. At The Moses Firm, we routinely help clients in Atlanta and throughout Georgia request and secure their complete medical documentation.
Why Your Medical Records Matter
Medical records provide the timeline of care, test results, physician notes, prescriptions, and any documented symptoms or complaints. This paper trail allows attorneys and medical experts to evaluate whether your provider acted within the standard of care, and when and how that standard was breached.
Your Right to Access Records in Georgia
Both Georgia law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) give you the right to access your medical records. This right applies even if you owe the healthcare provider money. The provider must respond to your request within 30 days, and they cannot deny access for arbitrary reasons.
How to Request Your Records:
- Contact the medical provider or the hospital’s medical records department.
- Submit a written request or use the provider’s official release form.
- Include your full name, date of birth, address, and dates of service.
- Provide a valid ID and signed authorization.
- Request all formats—paper and electronic, if possible.
Tips for a Successful Request:
- Ask for the entire record, including nursing notes, lab results, radiology images, and communications.
- Keep a copy of your request and follow up if you don’t hear back.
- If you’re requesting records on behalf of someone else, provide the appropriate power of attorney or legal authorization.
We Can Help
The Moses Firm can assist in submitting your request and ensure that no crucial documents are omitted. If providers delay or refuse, we can pursue enforcement. Your medical records are the foundation of your legal case—don’t delay in requesting them.