Attending Physician
Definition
The attending physician is the doctor who has primary responsibility for treating a patient’s condition or injury. This is the physician who oversees your care, makes treatment decisions, and is most familiar with your medical situation. The attending physician’s medical records, opinions, and testimony carry significant weight in personal injury claims because they have direct, ongoing knowledge of your injuries and treatment.
How It’s Used in Personal Injury Cases
Your attending physician’s records and opinions are crucial evidence in your personal injury claim. Insurance companies closely examine your treating doctor’s notes to evaluate the nature and severity of your injuries, the treatment required, and the causal connection to the accident. The attending physician can provide narrative reports explaining the relationship between the accident and your injuries, your prognosis, and any permanent impairment. Their testimony typically carries more weight than defense doctors who examine you only once.
Practical Example
After a car accident, Patricia treated with Dr. Hernandez for six months for a herniated disc. As her attending physician, Dr. Hernandez documented each visit, ordered and reviewed imaging studies, prescribed treatment, and observed her recovery. When the insurance company disputed whether her disc injury was caused by the accident, Dr. Hernandez provided a detailed narrative report connecting the collision to her condition—testimony that proved more credible than the defense doctor who saw Patricia only once.
Why It Matters to Your Case
Your attending physician’s documentation directly impacts your claim’s value. Thorough, consistent medical records showing the connection between your accident and injuries strengthen your case. Maintaining a good relationship with your treating doctor and keeping all appointments ensures proper documentation. Their opinion on causation, treatment necessity, and prognosis can make or break your case.
Key Takeaway
Your attending physician’s records and opinions are critical evidence—their ongoing documentation of your injuries and treatment forms the foundation of proving your damages.