It is important to have all your medical records if you are to move forward in a medical malpractice case. Doctors and providers often charge fees for producing and copying records. Sometimes this fee can be avoided if the patient requests the records, and a personal request from a patient can speed up the collection process. However, if a doctor is reticent or simply lackadaisical about giving up his or her files, it may be necessary to have an attorney request the records after you have signed a medical records release.