CHARLESTON — An Ohio man is suing Charleston Area Medical Center claiming it has failed to provide him with his medical records despite multiple requests.
Earl Haslam II, an East Canton, Ohio, resident, employed Ranson Law Offices to represent him in a personal injury claim arising from a car accident on Nov. 5, 2021, and in order to document his injuries, he had to get his medical records and medical bills from Charleston Area Medical Center, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Haslam claims on Nov. 11, 2021, Jan. 3, 2022, and Geb. 8, 2022, Ranson Law offices requested his medical records and a medical authorization signed by Hasam was attached with each written request.
Despite the repeated written requests, the defendant refused to produce requested medical records as required by laws, according to the suit.
Haslam claims as a result of the defendant's refusal to provide by law and his counsel has still been unable to review the medical records or produce any medical records as evidentiary support of his injuries and damages and he is unable to make a demand for relevant and pertinent motor vehicle liability insurance coverage or motor vehicle underinsured motorist coverage.
"As a direct result of the defendant's failure to produce these medical records, as provided by law, counsel for plaintiff has expended several hours drafting multiple requests for said medical records," the complaint states.
The plaintiff claims the defendant's refusal will cause his counsel to expend additional hours attempting to obtain the medical records.
Haslam is seeking compensatory damages and for the court to force the hospital to provide the requested records. He is represented by J. Michael Ranson and Cynthia M. Ranson of Ranson Law Offices in Charleston.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Kenneth Ballard.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 22-C-143