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.
What Are the Best Ways to Document Injuries for a Personal Injury Case?
Perhaps one of the most important ways to document your injuries is to seek immediate medical attention, which is the first step in building a case. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting evaluated is essential. By seeking medical attention you are ensuring your injuries are recorded and a paper trail of your medical journey can be started. Your medical records will provide detailed information about your injuries, diagnoses, treatments, and prognoses. They will help you establish a direct correlation between the accident and your injuries.
Also, keep detailed records. All medical information or communications should be noted. Collect information about emergency room visits, doctor appointments, physical therapy, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and more. Note how long you are absent from work due to your injuries and the amount of income you are missing out on.
Keeping a daily journal can be an exceptional way to document your injuries. Fill a notebook with daily entries detailing your symptoms, pain levels, changes in your condition, and limitations you experience in daily activities. A strong personal injury case will exemplify the impact that the accident has had on your life. A personal account of your experience can serve as compelling evidence.
Visual documentation can be beneficial as well. Take photographs or videos of visible injuries like cuts, bruising, swelling, etc. You can document the different stages of healing to showcase the process you have endured. It may be necessary to document pictures or videos of damage to personal property like a vehicle or to capture the scene of the accident. Visual evidence can help prove your claims.
Keep track of all expenses and losses associated with your injuries. This can include medical bills, prescription costs, physical therapy, surgeries, lost wages due to an inability to work, and more. Maintain a detailed record of how these expenses have accumulated over time. Having this documentation can support your claim for compensation.
It is also crucial that you follow your doctor’s orders. Adhering to the prescribed treatment plan can help benefit your case. Neglecting their advice can be used against you and the insurance company or defendant could claim that your injuries are not that serious. Document the ways in which you have followed their medical advice.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Obtain the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. A legal professional will provide you with guidance during the process and help you determine what documentation is required. They will ensure that you are following proper legal procedures and help you build an effective and compelling case. Reach out to an experienced lawyer today.
