Causation Narratives — The Most Important Document in Your PI Case

What Is a Causation Narrative?

A causation narrative is a physician's written opinion explicitly connecting a patient's injuries to the accident mechanism. It answers the legal question — "Did this accident cause these injuries?" — with medical expertise and clinical reasoning.

A strong causation narrative includes: the accident mechanism description, clinical findings (exam, imaging, diagnostic tests), physician opinion that the mechanism is a competent producing cause of the documented injuries, and discussion of any pre-existing conditions and how the accident aggravated them.

Why Generic Medical Records Aren't Enough

Standard medical records document treatment — chief complaint, findings, diagnosis. They typically don't address causation. An insurer defending a claim can argue your herniated disc predates the accident if your records don't contain explicit causation language.

MAIC's Documentation Standard

Every MAIC treating physician documents causation in clinical notes. The initial evaluation report addresses the accident mechanism, clinical findings, and the causation opinion. Subsequent reports reinforce the narrative throughout the treatment course.