October 2025
What Makes a Strong Medical Report — From an Adjuster’s Perspective
Pacific Northwest MD Legal Consulting
Medical reports play a pivotal role in helping attorneys, adjusters, and clients understand the full impact of an injury. A well-constructed report does more than summarize records — it explains the medical reasoning that connects findings, treatment, and functional outcomes.
Understanding the Audience
A report may be reviewed by many professionals — attorneys, adjusters, opposing counsel, judges, treating clinicians, and independent medical examiners. Each reader looks for clarity, accuracy, and sound reasoning. Writing with that diverse audience in mind ensures the report supports the case from both a medical and legal standpoint.
Causation and Mechanism of Injury
Many treating physicians focus on patient care rather than the why behind an injury. In a medicolegal setting, however, opinions on causation and mechanism of injury are essential. When appropriate, reports should explain how the medical evidence supports or refutes a causal connection between an event and the ongoing condition. This level of clarity can make a significant difference in how a case is interpreted and valued.
Commentary on Treatment and Medical Necessity
A comprehensive report also addresses whether the treatment provided was reasonable, medically necessary, and related to the incident in question. These insights help clarify which interventions are tied to the injury versus those reflecting pre-existing or unrelated conditions.
Precision and Individualization
Each case deserves an individualized assessment. Repetitive or “template-style” reports weaken credibility and may overlook important nuances. The most effective reports use precise language, accurate timelines, and correct diagnostic codes when applicable — presenting findings in a way that is both medically and legally reliable.
Language and Presentation Matter
Subtle word choices shape perception. For example, describing a “cervical spinal injury” provides a clearer and more accurate picture than “neck strain.” Similarly, using auto crash rather than auto accident emphasizes the event’s impact rather than implying randomness. Strong reports also describe the patient’s functional loss — explaining how injuries affect daily living and future capability.
Addressing Pre-existing Conditions and Multiple Incidents
Pre-existing conditions such as degenerative arthritis often complicate injury claims. Reports that clearly distinguish baseline disease from trauma-related changes help adjusters and attorneys understand what portion of impairment is new versus pre-existing. When multiple injuries or accidents are involved, clear apportionment of symptoms builds credibility and trust.
Collaborative Approach
Medical legal consulting can also bridge communication between treating physicians and attorneys. Guiding clinicians on how to document findings effectively benefits both the patient and the case, ensuring that the medical record accurately reflects causation, treatment rationale, and outcome.
Takeaway:
A strong medical report is clear, accurate, and objective — grounded in evidence-based reasoning and tailored to the needs of both medicine and law. By emphasizing causation, treatment rationale, and functional impact, physicians can provide reports that meaningfully inform the settlement process and support just outcomes for clients.
