Why You Should Document Your Personal Injury in a Journal
Keeping a diary may sound childish, but when it comes to personal injury it can be an extremely valuable tool. Our memory doesn’t always serve us well and you can forget important facts that may be very relevant to your condition and your case. Recording your symptoms and pain levels while they’re happening will ensure that all information is recorded in real time. This valuable information can help your personal injury attorney build a stronger case for your settlement.
Document Your Condition Every Day
Jotting down notes on exactly how you are feeling every day can be used as evidence of your injuries. Sometimes personal injury cases do not go to trial right away. By the time it comes around, it’s likely you will have forgotten exactly what you were feeling. These entries will help to show that you have sustained damages that impacted daily life.
Document the Right Information
Recording your pain levels, what kind of medicine you took, medical appointments, physical limitations and your ability to perform daily activities are all significant details.
It goes without saying that you should be as honest as possible. This means that if you have a positive day where you are able to move and do more daily activities than usual, say so. Be as detailed as possible; simply writing that you were in pain is not enough evidence. If a headache or back pain prevented you from getting out of bed or going to work, state this. Record what kind of medicine you took, medical appointments you attended, and anything else relating to your condition. Non-economic losses can be quantified in a court of law, but can be difficult to prove without documentation.
There are health diaries that have a human graph drawn in them for recording such conditions, making it easy for you to mark down where you have pain. In addition to the location, describe the intensity and the sensation (throbbing, searing, stabbing etc.). The more detailed you are with your symptoms, the better your chances of getting fair compensation.
Keep Track of Medical Visits
Even if you don’t think that your injuries are that serious, it is always best to get checked out by a medical professional. This way you will have medical proof to back up your statements in court. Write down the dates of your appointments, which providers you saw and what was discussed. It’s also important you keep record of any medical expenses you accrue as you may be compensated for these costs through your settlement.
How Documantation Helps Your Case
Documenting your injuries can, in the long run, increase the value of your case. Tracking your medical and legal expenses, along with your wage records can help you prove exactly how the accident affected both your financial and emotional status. If you have more questions on how keeping a journal can help your personal injury case, we are happy to help. Call one of our locations to speak with one of our experienced attorneys: 916.863.2900 (Fair Oaks) and 916.448.2120 (Sacramento).
