Documenting Details of Your Injuries and Pain
May 3, 2023
Accidents happen. Whether you slip and fall at your local grocery store or are involved in a car collision on your way to work, injuries can dramatically disrupt your life.
If you've recently suffered from an accident in North Chesterfield, Virginia, you may find yourself completely overwhelmed as you start to navigate the legal aftermath. Keeping track of all the details can be challenging, especially when your mind is already reeling from the shock of the incident.
The good news? You're not alone. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, around 31 million Americans require medical treatment due to general injuries each year, many of which are due to circumstances outside of their control.
Documenting the details of your injuries and pain can be crucial to winning your legal case. If you want to understand your next options, reach out to me today. I'll walk you through everything you need to know.
Why It's Important to Document Injuries and Pain
Keeping a record of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve. When you start documenting the impact of the accident on your life, you begin to see how it's affected you. You'll know what to expect in the future, what parts of your life (work, family, social) are affected, and how long the effects will last.
Doing this will give you a sense of control over this incident that you didn't have during it. Documenting your injuries and pain can empower you and point you toward your path to recovery.
Proof of Injury
When it comes to legal cases, simple declarations of pain and injuries won't cut it. You need concrete proof of your injuries and how they have affected your life to present a strong case on your behalf. When you're in the courtroom, all that gets considered is what you can prove.
Getting medical help from a licensed doctor helps prove what injuries you have sustained and how much the injury costs. This will increase the likelihood that you can get the compensation you deserved.
Avoid Confusing Facts
Suppose you've been in an accident, and some months later, you're to present a case on how the accident impacted you. Do you trust yourself to have every detail of what happened and the injuries you sustained in your memory?
Even if you do have an excellent memory, personal recollections of traumatic events are not always reliable. This is why it's crucial to write down the details of your injuries and pain as soon as possible.
Information You Should Include
Nobody expects to be injured, but it's important to be prepared just in case it does happen. One of the most important things you can do in the aftermath is record your injuries/pain after an accident. Here are some of the things you can include in your documentation:
Medical Records. One of the most significant details you should include in your medical records. This includes all documentation related to the treatment you received, the diagnosis, and any ongoing care you may require. Make sure to keep track of all appointments, medications prescribed, and any other medical information relevant to your injury.
Medical Bills. Along with medical records, you should also keep track of all medical bills related to your injury. This includes bills from hospitals, doctors, and any specialists you may have seen. Keeping track of these expenses is important, as it can help you understand the full financial impact of your injury.
Any Out of Pocket Costs. Along with medical expenses, there may be additional costs associated with your injury that you'll need to account for. These could include modifications to your home or vehicle, travel expenses to appointments, or additional care services. Keeping track of these expenses can help you get a better idea of the full financial impact of your injury.
Photographs of Injuries. It's important to take photographs of your injuries. Take pictures from different angles and on different dates to document how your injuries progress over time. This documentation can be used as evidence if you need to file a claim, and can also help you remember important details that might be forgotten with time.
Mental Trauma. Include mental trauma in your documentation. It's not just physical injuries that are important to document. Mental trauma, such as stress, anxiety, and confusion, should also be included in your documentation.
These issues can often have long-lasting effects, so documenting after an accident is important should you need to make a claim.
Help When You Need It Most
The most important thing to remember when seeking legal support for a personal injury case is that you should not have to go through this alone. With the proper help, your case will be taken seriously. You need an experienced personal injury attorney who can provide knowledgeable and helpful advice.
At The Thomas Law Firm, PLLC, I understand that this process can be sensitive and stressful. I take a compassionate approach to each and every case, and I've devoted my career to handling personal injury cases like yours. I'm an experienced personal injury and car accident attorney with years of experience working in North Chesterfield, Virginia, as well as in Henrico County, Richmond, Petersburg, and countless other cities.
I know exactly what kind of documentation is required to help you make your case and that will give you a fair shot in holding the liable party responsible. Reach out to me today to get the help you need—and the help you deserve.