Medical records are the foundation of nearly every GLP-1 drug injury claim. They document what happened, when it happened, how severe the injury was, and whether it caused lasting harm. While you do not need records to start a review, claims that proceed rely heavily on complete, accurate documentation.
This page explains which records matter most, how to obtain them, and how they’re used during case evaluation and settlement.
Why Medical Records Are So Important
In GLP-1 litigation, medical records are used to:
- confirm diagnosis (e.g., gastroparesis, pancreatitis, kidney injury)
- prove severity (hospitalization, surgery, dialysis)
- establish a timeline linking drug use to injury
- demonstrate persistence or permanence
- calculate compensation (medical costs, disability, lost income)
Without records, even severe symptoms can be difficult to prove legally.
You Do Not Need Records to Start a Case Review
Many people delay because they think they must gather everything first.
You can begin a review without records. Legal teams can often help request them once eligibility is established.
➡️ Start review: File a Claim
The Most Important Records for GLP-1 Claims
Hospital & ER Records (Highest Priority)
These are often the most valuable documents.
Include:
- ER triage notes
- admission and discharge summaries
- physician progress notes
- diagnoses and ICD codes
- IV fluids, medications, procedures
Hospitalization is a major indicator of claim strength.
Diagnostic Testing Records
Depending on the injury, these may include:
- Gastroparesis: gastric emptying studies, motility testing
- Pancreatitis: lipase/amylase labs, CT/MRI
- Kidney injury: creatinine, eGFR, BUN trends
- Gallbladder disease: ultrasound, CT, MRCP
- Obstruction: CT scans, abdominal imaging
Objective tests are often decisive in eligibility reviews.
Specialist Records
Notes from specialists add credibility and detail, including:
- gastroenterology (GI)
- nephrology (kidney)
- surgery
- internal medicine
- nutrition or motility clinics
Specialist confirmation strengthens causation arguments.
Surgical Records (If Applicable)
If you had surgery, the following are critical:
- operative report
- pathology report
- post-op hospital notes
- complications or follow-up care
Examples:
- gallbladder removal
- bowel intervention
- feeding tube placement
Prescription & Pharmacy Records
These help confirm exposure and timing.
Include:
- medication name
- dosage
- start and stop dates
- refill history
- dose escalation notes
Even approximate timelines can be sufficient initially.
Records That Show Severity and Impact
Beyond diagnosis, lawyers look for proof of impact, such as:
- repeated hospital visits
- ICU stays
- dialysis
- long recovery periods
- specialist follow-ups
- ongoing medication use
- documented inability to eat or work normally
How Records Help Establish a Timeline
A strong timeline often shows:
- GLP-1 drug started
- symptoms escalated (often after dose increase)
- ER visit or hospitalization
- diagnosis confirmed
- symptoms persisted or injury worsened
- long-term impairment documented
Records that clearly show this progression are extremely valuable.
What If Records Are Incomplete or Missing?
This is common. You may still qualify if:
- records exist at multiple facilities
- older records can be requested
- diagnosis was delayed
- symptoms were documented over time
Legal teams often request records directly from providers with your authorization.
How to Get Your Medical Records
Option 1: Request Them Yourself
You can request records from:
- hospitals
- clinics
- imaging centers
- labs
Most providers have online portals or medical records departments.
Option 2: Let the Legal Team Request Them
Once a review begins, many firms will:
- send HIPAA authorizations
- request records on your behalf
- organize and review documentation
This is often easier for claimants.
How Long Record Collection Takes
Timeframes vary:
- small clinics: days to weeks
- hospitals: 2–6 weeks
- multiple facilities: longer
Starting early helps avoid delays if deadlines apply.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- waiting to start a review until records are gathered
- assuming one ER visit “doesn’t count”
- forgetting imaging or lab-only visits
- not listing all treating facilities
- discarding pharmacy receipts or summaries
Even partial documentation can matter.
How Records Are Used Later in the Case
Medical records may be used to:
- support filing decisions
- assign settlement tiers
- evaluate permanence
- calculate damages
- counter defense arguments
- support expert opinions
Accuracy and completeness matter at every stage.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Medical records are handled under strict confidentiality rules and are used only for:
- case evaluation
- litigation preparation
- settlement processing
They are not shared publicly.
How to Prepare Before Starting
If you want to be proactive, consider:
- writing a symptom timeline
- listing all hospitals and doctors
- noting dates of ER visits or surgery
- identifying where imaging or labs were done
➡️ Symptom guide: Documenting Symptoms
How to Start a Review (Even Without Records)
You can begin with just:
- the GLP-1 drug you used
- approximate dates
- major symptoms or diagnosis
- whether you were hospitalized or had surgery
➡️ Start here: File a Claim
➡️ Eligibility criteria: Criteria
Related Internal Links
Medical records are essential to proving GLP-1 injury claims, but you do not need them to start. Hospital records, diagnostic testing, specialist notes, surgical reports, and prescription history all play key roles in determining eligibility, severity, and compensation. Early review helps preserve evidence and avoid delays.
➡️ Start your review: File a Claim