Hospital care involves many people and decisions. When something goes wrong, the records can help explain how communication, monitoring, medication, or treatment may have contributed to an injury.
Examining how care was delivered
A meaningful review starts with your story and the evidence. Useful information may include:
- Admission and discharge records
- Nursing notes, monitoring, and medication records
- Changes in condition and the response to them
Hospital records tell different parts of the story
A discharge summary may not contain every relevant event. Medication administration records, bedside observations, nursing notes, handoff information, and responses to a change in condition can help explain what happened during an admission.
Identifying the hospital and treating providers
Write down the facility’s full name and the names of the clinicians you remember. The legal status of the facility and the roles of the people involved can affect whom a claim concerns and which deadlines require attention.
Common questions
Is a hospital discharge summary enough to evaluate a claim?
It is a useful starting point, but a full review may require additional records, such as nursing notes, medication charts, test results, and physician orders. You can call before obtaining all of them.
Live in Brooklyn? South Brooklyn case evaluation information.
What to bring to a first conversation
If available, gather a brief timeline, the names of the people involved, and any records or correspondence you already have. You do not need every document before contacting the office.
Why timing matters
New York claims are subject to time limits, and the applicable deadline depends on the facts. Speak with an attorney promptly rather than assuming a general deadline applies to your situation.
General information about deadlines: New York Courts. An attorney must evaluate the deadline for your particular claim.
Talk through your questions
A conversation with Leonid Krimsky can help you understand what information to gather and whether further review is appropriate.
Discuss your situation