Effective documentation is crucial when building a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Records can help prove the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. During a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you must prove that the accident resulted in your injuries and show how they have impacted you. Continue reading and speak with an experienced Bergen County injury lawyer to learn how best to document your injuries for a personal injury case.
Why Proper Injury Documentation Is Essential
When you are injured in an accident caused by the negligent actions of another person, ensuring you properly document the injuries you have suffered and subsequent damages incurred is critical if you wish to file a claim against the party. Proper documentation can help:
- Prove the accident caused your injuries
- Show the impact the injuries have had on your daily life, work, and relationships
- Support claims for medical bills and lost wages
- Improve the strength of your claim when negotiating with insurance companies
- Provide a court with objective evidence of injury and harm
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Generally, the most important thing you can do after an accident in northern New Jersey is seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries you’ve suffered. Doing so can help:
- Create a medical record proving the injury is established shortly after the accident
- Establish a timeline connecting the injury to the accident
- Ensure you receive proper care to prevent injuries from becoming worse
You should note that, even if you feel okay immediately after the accident, obtaining medical care is critical. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries, may take hours or days to appear. As such, a doctor may be able to identify injuries that may not be readily apparent, in addition to documenting your immediate care.
Maintain Complete and Organized Medical Records
Medical records are among the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury case in Bergen County, as they are formal, official records of the injuries you’ve sustained. This provides an objective account of harm and financial loss.
Types of Medical Records
- Emergency room visit summaries
- Doctor’s notes
- Diagnosis reports
- Imaging results
- Surgical reports
- Physical therapy notes
- Prescription medications
Track Ongoing Treatment
- Follow-up appointments
- Changes to your injury plan
- Recovery timelines
- Any setbacks or complications that arise during your treatment
Use a Daily Injury Journal to Track Your Recovery
After your injury, you should keep a detailed journal that explicates how your injuries have impacted your daily life. This creates a first-person record and can be incredibly beneficial when determining compensation.
What to Include
- Pain levels (on a scale of 0-10)
- Daily symptoms (to track how they change over time)
- Missed activities
- Sleep disruption
- Emotional or mental distress
- Triggers that worsen symptoms
Document Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Being in an accident can be an incredibly traumatic event. As such, an accident, whether you’re struck by a drunk driver or slip and fall in your local supermarket, can lead to emotional and mental injuries in addition to physical ones. Common psychological injuries include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Panic Attacks
- Changes in mood
How to Document Mental Injuries
- Seek evaluation from a licensed mental health professional
- Retain all treatment records
- Document prescribed medications
- Log how mental injuries impact your daily life in your pain journal
Capture Visual Evidence Through Photos and Videos
Following a Bergen County accident, documenting visual evidence to help support your case is critical. As such, you should take photos and videos of the following:
- Any visible injuries you suffered as a result of the accident
- Mobility aids necessary
- The healing process of your injuries
- The scene of the accident
- Damage to property at the scene of the accident
Record All Expenses and Financial Losses
Because an accident can result in significant financial damages, you’ll want to retain a list with documentation of the financial losses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. Under NJ Rev Stat § 2A:15-5.2, you are eligible to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Economic Damages
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Physical therapy costs
- Medications
- Lost wages (you can obtain wage records from your employer)
- Loss of earning capacity
- Damage to property
Non-Economic Damages
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
Speak With an Experienced Bergen County Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered injuries because of the negligent actions of another person, it is critical to connect with an experienced attorney with Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC. Our team can provide you with guidance during the process and help you determine what documentation is required. We can ensure that you are following proper legal procedures and help you build an effective and compelling case. Reach out to an experienced lawyer today.
