Why Signing a Blanket Medical Authorization Can Ruin Your Texas Personal Injury Case?
After a car accident in Texas, insurance companies often ask accident victims to sign a blanket medical authorization, claiming it will speed up the claims process. On the surface, this may seem like a harmless request, but signing such a broad release can seriously jeopardize your personal injury claim. Texas law does not require you to give unrestricted access to all your medical records, and doing so can allow insurers to dig into unrelated health information and use it against you.
How Blanket Medical Authorizations Hurt Your Case
A blanket medical authorization typically allows the insurance company to access all your medical records, past and present, whether or not they are related to the accident. For example, if you have unrelated medical conditions, prior injuries, or past surgeries, the insurance adjuster may attempt to argue that your current injuries are pre-existing or not caused by the accident, even if that is not the case. Essentially, you are giving them a tool to minimize or deny your claim, potentially leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
Insurance companies often present this request under the guise of helping you, saying it’s “easier” if they can gather everything at once. The reality is that they are looking for ways to reduce their payout, challenge the severity of your injuries, or attack your credibility. A broad release without limits can also open the door to discovering minor or unrelated conditions that have no bearing on your current case, giving adjusters an unfair advantage.
Why Limited Medical Authorizations Are Critical
Limiting your medical authorizations is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your claim. A narrow, case-specific authorization ensures that only relevant records are shared, making it harder for the insurance company to misinterpret unrelated health issues. Properly restricting the scope of your medical release allows you to:
Protect your privacy: Avoid exposing unrelated medical conditions, prior injuries, or sensitive personal health information.
Prevent claim manipulation: Limit insurance companies’ ability to argue that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident.
Strengthen your case: Focus on records and evidence that clearly support the connection between your accident and your injuries.
Practical Steps to Take Before Signing Any Medical Release
Provide only what’s necessary: Share records and documentation directly related to the accident and your injuries. Avoid releasing unrelated health information.
Consult a Texas personal injury attorney: A lawyer can review any requests, advise on what is legally required, and ensure the release is appropriately limited.
Object to overly broad requests: Your attorney can formally object if the insurer demands more than what is necessary under Texas law. Courts often enforce limits to protect your rights.
Keep detailed records: Document all communications with the insurance company, including emails, phone calls, and copies of any authorizations you sign. This protects you in case of disputes.
Do not do the insurance company’s homework: Blanket releases give the insurer free access to unrelated records. Only provide what is legally required or reasonably requested for your claim.
