Why does an adjuster want you to sign a blanket medical release?

On Behalf of | Jan 25, 2022 | Personal Injury |

While today’s cars, trucks and SUVs have hundreds of impressive safety features, motor vehicle accidents continue to be a leading source of both catastrophic injuries and death. In fact, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, 38,000 Americans die and millions more suffer injuries in traffic accidents annually.

If a car wreck leaves you with serious injuries, you are likely to be unable to work. In addition to having mounting medical bills, you may have dozens of other bills you simply cannot pay. Even if an insurance adjuster promises to process your claim quickly, executing a blanket medical release may not be in your legal or financial interests.

What is the purpose of a blanket medical release?

A BMR is a form adjusters encourage injured individuals to sign in exchange for prompt processing of their insurance claims. This form gives the adjuster and others at the insurance company your permission to examine all your medical records. These include records that relate to the accident and your injuries as well as records that have little or nothing to do with them.

What are the possible consequences of signing a BMR?

If you sign a BMR, you automatically lose your medical privacy. Beyond that, the adjuster may be looking for a reason to deny your claim or to offer you an unreasonably low settlement. If you have a preexisting condition or take certain medications, for example, your signed BMR may give the adjuster sufficient grounds to treat you unfairly.

Even though you need prompt payment of your insurance claim, you do not want to sign any insurance form that makes matters worse for you. Ultimately, before you sign anything, it is advisable to talk with an experienced attorney about the potential advantages and drawbacks of your actions.