Reviewing medical documentation in pesticide litigation

Reviewing Medical Documentation in Pesticide Litigation Litigators rely on reliable medical review services for compiling the required documentation, organizing the medical chart, and creating chronologies and summaries.

Medical Record Review

Medical records constitute the single most valuable proof in many product liability, personal injury and mass tort cases. Lawyers handling such cases depend on medical record review to understand the medical issues involved and prepare the case. For instance, there are many cases in the above mentioned categories filed in U.S. courts against exposure to dangerous pesticides – chemical substances, biological agents, disinfectants, and antimicrobial agents used against pests. These are toxic substances to humans and other animals, causing serious health complications such as developmental delays in children, nerve damage, brain injuries, fainting, seizures and so on. Personal injury and product liability cases are complex and require adequate supporting evidence. Litigators rely on reliable medical review services for compiling the required documentation, organizing the medical chart, and creating chronologies and summaries.

Difficult to Prove without the Relevant Medical Records A lawsuit over offsite pesticide spraying in Oregon’s Curry County has caught the attention of people over the nation. The issue is that the lead plaintiff has reportedly ignored requests to turn over his medical records for review. The incident occurred in 2013, when a helicopter company sprayed residential properties near Gold Beach with herbicides meant for neighboring forestlands. The Oregon Department of Agriculture had suspended its applicator license.

The complaint was filed by seventeen residents who claimed that they were suffering from serious health issues as a result of being sprayed with 2 4-D and triclopyr. The damages sought is in the range of $100, 000 per plaintiff. Recently, two of the defendants filed a motion to ask the lead plaintiff to turn over his medical records and other documents substantiating the injuries he suffered from the spraying incident. However, the plaintiff refused to oblige and as a result it became necessary to issue a court order. This case is set to go for trial in January 2016.

This unfortunate spray incident has persuaded lawmakers to propose new restrictions on pesticides in Oregon.

www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com

1-800-670-2809

Pesticide exposure is most risky for children whose immune system, endocrine system, muscles and bones are all immature. It may cause serious liver and kidney damage. Exposure to pesticides can occur via ingestion, but also through the skin.

Review of Lab Records and Other Documentation Vital The first step an attorney would take in a case such as this is to request for the relevant medical documentation. To prove health hazards in a pesticide personal injury case, numerous medical records will have to be reviewed – this would include documentation for lab tests done to record baseline levels of pesticide in one’s system. Other records include physical examination reports, brain MRI, neuropsychological tests and past medical records. 

A detailed review and summarization would be necessary to understand the extent of exposure and the medical conditions /diseases contracted as a result of the exposure.

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The medical experts performing the review would be looking for neurologic symptoms, signs of Parkinson disease, autism, and cognitive and psychomotor dysfunction among others.

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Working closely with attorneys, a medical review company would help in analyzing and synthesizing medical records.

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The reviewers offering service include physicians, registered nurse assistants and documentation specialists who would focus on providing the legal professional with a clear view of the medical issues involved.

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They would check the medical records for accuracy and completeness, and identify missing records if any.

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Knowledge in medical and legal terminology, patience, and expertise in organizing, indexing and analyzing the medical documentation.

It is therefore evident how an outsourcing partner can assist lawyers, attorneys, paralegals and others involved in pesticide litigation. The important consideration is the reputation of the service provider. An experienced medical review firm will efficiently handle even highly challenging medical chart review.

www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com

1-800-670-2809