COVID-19 – TO OUR VALUED CLIENTS

Record Retrieval 101

By ABI - March 10th, 2017

record retrieval 101

It is quite frequent that during the course of litigation a helping hand is needed to secure important information critical to the case. Many attorneys rely on the retrieval and review of personal records for critical case information. During this time of the litigation cycle, many turn to a record retrieval vendor to help retrieve these records properly and in accordance with state law. Whether a vendor is needed at the beginning of discovery or at the tail end of the discovery window, a record retrieval partner can be a valuable asset in securing this information in a timely and efficient manner.

ABI: What Makes Us Different

Record retrieval vendors provide services that assist clients with obtaining documents using the proper legal steps necessary during the course of litigation. A record retrieval vendor will prepare the necessary legal documents to subpoena the requested information and also provide all parties with copies of this information if needed.

Many vendors nowadays deliver this information on digital platforms to make the process easier and more efficient. With the ability to place orders online with a personal account, clients have the ability to track the status of orders and to follow-up on previous orders with the “click of a mouse.”

Current technology allows the record retrieval company to scan the requested documents on the location premises and upload directly to servers enabling a quick turnaround for the client. Tech savvy vendors have now begun to introduce software to allow the client to efficiently review and summarize the documents they have requested. Document sharing software has also been introduced to allow the client to access the records from anywhere in the world and to also share the documents with whomever they choose with just a few easy steps.

Real Time Status Updates

While having all of this technology available is beneficial to most, vendors have not steered away from customer service departments that are available to assist clients. The ability to speak with a knowledgeable representative that is familiar with the account is a benefit that can never be replaced with technology. Many clients choose to use a record retrieval company based on the efficient turnaround time and strong customer service that is required in a time sensitive industry.

A good record retrieval vendor will be transparent with the process of retrieving the records for the client and grant full access to all of the steps that go into the delivery of the records. Clients are no longer left in the dark as to when a subpoena has been served, if documents are available, or when they can expect to receive the records. Constant status updates are available via email as well as via online web portals.

Clients have the ability to alter record requests and to request follow-up by the record retrieval vendor if they feel that their request was not completed properly. Vendors offer a wide range of different services to fit client needs. Aside from the retrieval of records, vendors also provide x-ray film duplication, process service, court filings and in some cases court reporting services. When a client is in a time crunch, a good retrieval service will assist with a time waiver and attempt to deliver the requested documents to the client in order to meet the deadline.

If vital information is ever missing from a retrieval request, a good service will alert the client that the information is needed before the copying is scheduled to ensure there is no delay.

Make the Switch Today: ABI Document Support Services

Often times, a client will choose to stay loyal to a certain vendor based on the effort the vendor puts forth in making sure that the client’s needs are met and that the documents are delivered in a timely manner. The vendor-client relationship can sometimes become strained when a vendor fails to meet client expectations. In some cases this divide can never be overcome and the client chooses to go with another vendor or decides to retrieve documents on their own.

It is imperative that the client and the record retrieval vendor have a solid line of communication and that the vendor is transparent in the steps taken to secure the information requested. Selecting a record retrieval company to partner with can be a very hard decision to make. However, with the right choice, the process of securing vital information can be less stressful and a more efficient process than generally thought.